Tom Daschle

Former Gov. John Kitzhaber had been rumored to be a candidate for Secretary of Health and Human Services in President-elect Barack Obama’s cabinet, but on Wednesday Politico.com reported that that position went to former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.).

Kitzhaber was first rumored for the post three weeks ago, along with Daschle and Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean.

The Democratic Party of Oregon was saddened by the news that Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean will step down from his post in the beginning of 2009, as reported by Politico.com.

According to the report, Dean plans to honor his commitment of serving a single term as party chair. During his tenure, Dean saw the Democratic Party earn two of its biggest wins in the 2006 and 2008 elections.

The third day of the Democratic National Convention will be called to order at 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday, with a theme of "Securing America's Future."

The day will begin with the nominating process for President, including nominating speeches for U.S. Sens. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.), followed by a roll call vote.

The headline speaker will be vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.).

Featured speakers will include President Bill Clinton (D), U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Gov. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.), U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.).

The full schedule is below.