Gov. Jim Douglas has moved from vice chairman to chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee of the National Governors Association. He's been out in Michigan as the association's summer meeting.

Jason Gibbs, Douglas' spokesman, said that as chairman of this committee, Vermont's governor will get to make the case for, but not dictate an agenda for the coming year. "He's all fired up by health IT (information technology) stuff," Gibbs said, but added that the National Governors Association is nonpartisan and decisions on agendas as well as positions on issues require consensus.

What does this appointment entail? "A lot more staff work," Gibbs admitted.

As chairman, Douglas could have to make a few trips to Washington DC to testify before Congress on positions that the NGA has taken on health and human service issues -- such as the group's view concerning maintaining support for the State Childrens Health Insurance Program.

Douglas previously held top positions in the association for secretaries of state and state treasurers. Does he aspire to higher office in the NGA? He isn't on the executive committee, which might be the ladder to the top. The NGA's new chairman is Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Other members include Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell, the vice chairman; Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley, North Dakota John Hoeven, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle.

Gibbs said he's sure Douglas would consider the association's highest office -- chairman of the executive committee -- "if his colleagues were so inclined."

-- Nancy Remsen