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President announces nominee to lead USDAJennifer M. Latzke 
President Bush didn't have any tricks, but he did have a special treat for farmers and ranchers this Halloween. The president announced Wednesday, Oct. 31, his nominee for the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture will be former North Dakota Governor Edward Schafer. "At every stage of his career, Ed has shown wisdom, foresight and creativity," Bush said during his announcement from the Roosevelt Room of the White House. "Those same qualities will make him a valuable member of my Cabinet and they will make him a trusted friend to America's farmers and ranchers. His passion for agriculture has deep roots." Schafer was a two-term Republican governor in North Dakota, from 1992 to 2000. He was elected to his first term by a margin of 17 percent and was then re-elected to a second term by a margin of nearly 32 percent, the first two-term Republican governor in the state's history. If confirmed, Schafer will land in the hot seat, as Congress is wrapping up its debates on a new farm bill. He will replace former Secretary Mike Johanns, who stepped down to vie for the Nebraska Senate seat vacated by Republican Chuck Hagel. There had been talk in Washington that President Bush would keep Charles Conner, the acting secretary of agriculture and former deputy secretary, in place so that the department would have one less headache until the final farm bill was signed into law. Debate on a new farm bill has been contentious for the Bush administration. Under Johanns, the administration was firmly opposed to continuing current farm programs without some reform. President Bush threatened to veto the House version of the legislation, and the Senate will debate its version starting Nov. 9. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-KS, released a statement about the nomination. "It is good to see another nominee from the Great Plains," he said. "I believe Gov. Schafer understands agriculture on the High Plains and the challenges our Kansas producers and farmers face today. "During Gov. Schafer's term in office, he visited with me on several occasions regarding agriculture policy," the senator added. "He understands the issues, and I look forward to the Agriculture Committee holding his nomination hearing in a timely manner." Sen. Roberts said he would encourage Schafer to work with those in Congress who believe in the importance of maintaining vital farm and ranch programs. Coming from a farm state in the High Plains, Schafer has an extensive first-hand knowledge of agriculture. As governor, Schafer started a pilot project to use high-speed telecommunications services to send education, health care and economic development to help revive small rural communities. He led an ag trade mission to China in 2000 to open up new markets for North Dakota products and lead the development of the state's renewable energy industries. AP reports contributed to story. Jennifer M. Latzke can be reached by phone at 620-227-1807, or e-mail at jlatzke@hpj.com. Date: 11/1/07
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