From the editor

Most would agree that one of the leading issues in recent years has been health care. With rising health care costs, millions of American uninsured, a nursing shortage, ethical questions resulting from new technologies and scientific research, a graying population, and new challenges from Alzheimer's, AIDS, and other diseases, to name a few of the issues, the country looks squarely to the presidency for leadership on health care policy. Yet, one finds far less scholarship on the presidency and health care than one might expect.

This special issue of the journal is dedicated to the study of the presidency and health care policy. Under the capable leadership of guest editor Dr. Bryan Hilliard of New England College, a scholar specializing in bioethics, law and ethics, health care policy, and the presidency, the issue hopes to address the gaps in the literature base on the presidency and promote further interest in the topic. Hilliard and his contributors note that there is a history of presidential rhetoric and policy speeches, signing ceremonies, State of the Union addresses, and other mechanisms presidents have employed to forward their health care initiatives.

Dr. Hilliard has served on the editorial board of the journal for several years and brings a unique interdisciplinary focus to his work on the presidency. He can be reached either at his office (Department of Philosophy at New England College) or through the journal's editorial offices with comments on the special issue or research on the topic.

I am also pleased to announce that Dr. Michael W. Popejoy has been appointed to the position of Assistant Editor of White House Studies, commencing with this issue of the journal. Dr. Popejoy earned an MBA at Barry University in Miami and his Ph.D. in Public Administration at Florida Atlantic University, and completed additional doctoral course work in higher education administration at Florida International University. He is a frequent contributor to the American Society for Public Administration's peer-reviewed journal Public Voices, and has served on their editorial board for a number of years. Dr. Popejoy is also the book review editor for Public Administration and Management." Interactive Journal, and is guest editing a symposium titled "Wilson-Hamilton Debate on Public Administration History" for the International Journal of Public Administration. Dr. Popejoy brings both extensive academic experience to his new position, having taught at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Central Michigan University, and Nova Southeastern University, and a research interest in executive leadership and management of the federal bureaucracy. I am delighted to welcome Dr. Popejoy to the journal.

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