Ebola worries renew push for Surgeon General pick

More than two dozen House Democrats have called on the Senate to confirm Dr. Vivek Murthy, the Obama administration's pick for U.S. Surgeon General, so he could help lead the nation's Ebola response. But Senate support remains shaky because of Murthy's outspoken views on gun violence, which have drawn the wrath of the National Rifle Association. 

Politico Pro: House Dems Want Approval For Surgeon General Pick
More than two dozen House Democrats are calling on the Senate to swiftly approve Vivek Murthy's nomination to serve as surgeon general to help combat the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in the U.S. Murthy's nomination got sidelined after Republicans and vulnerable Senate Democrats voiced reservations about the Harvard Medical School physician's outspoken views on gun violence and public health. But the House Democrats, in a letter set to be released next week, argue that the Obama administration needs a top official in place to help with Ebola response (French, 10/17).

The Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire: Ebola Furor Renews Sparring Over Surgeon General Nomination
The political furor over the U.S. response to the Ebola outbreak has revived debate over President Barack Obama's stalled pick for U.S. Surgeon General. Some supporters of the administration have for the past few days been trying to shift the spotlight to opposition to Vivek Murthy, Mr. Obama's pick for the position, which focuses on public-health issues. Dr. Murthy's nomination met resistance in March when some Senate Democrats indicated they would not vote for him after his support for gun control drew the opposition of the National Rifle Association. Senate Democratic leaders are still not expected to bring Dr. Murthy up for a vote unless enough lawmakers change their positions to confirm him, aides said. But the public health concerns kindled by the spread of Ebola have generated new sparring over his nomination (Peterson and Radnofsky, 10/17).