The source said that Obama is expected to officially name the candidates Daschle and other Cabinet early next week, although the timetable could be accelerated.

President-elect Barack Obama has asked former senator Tom Daschle to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Democrat from South Dakota has accepted the offer.

Daschle, who this year published a book on the health system, was a supporter of the principles of the Obama bid for the presidency. Obama’s campaign and transition teams have been very personal for the former Daschle aides.

Daschle, if confirmed, would head the body for the administration of the new signature initiative to expand health insurance coverage, a Democrat familiar with the process said.

Daschle won the election to the Senate in 1986 after eight years in the House of Representatives also was Majority Leader of the Senate in 2001-2003, while the Democrats controlled the House. However, was defeated in his 2004 bid for reelection after the Republicans was a bitter campaign targeting it as a national Democrat of step with their home state.

Daschle, but remains popular among his former colleagues and is likely to face little challenge to his qualifications and character. However, Daschle had expressed some concern about going through the confirmation process because of questions might arise about his wife, who is a registered lobbyist.