Successful developer and entrepreneur, former Republican National Committee
chairman and now the only Coloradan in the Bush Cabinet, Jim Nicholson is
one of the most powerful people in the country, not just this state.
As Secretary of the Veterans Administration, he has 235,000 employees and a
budget of $80 billion. He runs the largest integrated health care provider
in the nation. Nicholson is also pushing for the new, $731 million
replacement for Fitzsimons hospital in Aurora.
Colorado U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez, who served on the House Veterans Affairs
Committee in his first term, had almost given up hope of making a deal to
get the new hospital placed at the Fitzsimons complex. But his mind changed
with Nicholson’s appointment.
“With Jim, failure is not an option,” said Beauprez. “When I learned that
President Bush had asked Jim to lead, my attitude changed. He engaged
immediately, and helped get all sides back on track. I’m not sure that would
have happened with someone less skilled at getting various parties
together.”
