WASHINGTON, October 18 (RIA Novosti) - The US Republican party lashed out at the naming of Ron Klain, the former Chief of Staff for Vice President Joe Biden, as the Ebola Response Coordinator (ERC).
"This is a public health crisis, and the answer isn't another White House political operative," said US Senator Ted Cruz, a perspective presidential candidate, in a written statement, released on Friday.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce also blasted the nomination minutes after the press conference ended.
"Given the mounting failings in the Obama Administration's response to the Ebola outbreak, it is right that the President has sought to task a single individual to coordinate its response," Royce said. "But I have to ask why the President didn't pick an individual with a noteworthy infectious disease or public health background?"
"Worst Ebola epidemic in world history and President Obama puts government bureaucrat with no healthcare experience in charge. Is he serious?" asked US Representative Any Harris in her tweet.
According to the White House, Klain was chosen for his managerial skill, ability to oversee complex governmental operations and has a good working relationship with members of Congress as well as senior Administration officials. Klain will report to Homeland Security Advisor Lisa Monaco and National Security Advisor Susan Rice.
Ron Klain used to serve as a Chief of Staff for US Vice Presidents Joe Biden and Al Gore and currently holds a position of investment group president.
