LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - A Kentucky cardiologist whom President George W. Bush nominated to be surgeon general in 2007 is being
appointed to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Dr. James W. Holsinger Jr.'s nomination as surgeon general was never voted on by the Senate, although a confirmation hearing was held.

Holsinger holds the Wethington Endowed Chair in the Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky, where he is professor of preventive medicine and health services management.

Holsinger faced criticism for voting to expel a lesbian pastor from the United Methodist Church and writing in 1991 that gay sex is unnatural and unhealthy.

Holsinger said in a statement distributed by the university along with a White House release announcing the appointment that he looks forward to continuing his work concerning sedentary lifestyle as a contribution to the problem of obesity.

The appointment is for the remainder of a two-year term expiring
May 3, 2010.

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