Chiming in

Some of the remarks about Ed Schafer, nominee for Agriculture Secretary, are indistinguishable. They go as such: 1. Congratulations 2. Get confirmed and get up to speed; until then, Chuck Conner will cover for you nicely 3. We'd like to hear what you think about ag issues - particularly if it agrees with us 4. See you on the Hill soon and then we can tell you why we do what we do.
Here is a statement, a little more embracing, from Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va.:

WASHINGTON – Ranking Republican Bob Goodlatte issued the following statement regarding the Administration’s nomination of Governor Ed Schafer as Agriculture Secretary:
“I congratulate Governor Schafer on his nomination for the position of Agriculture Secretary. While the Congress is actively involved in putting together the next farm bill, we’ve maintained an open line of communication and a cooperative working relationship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Secretary Johanns’ leadership and Acting Secretary Chuck Conner’s leadership. This is an important time for American agriculture as we craft the policies that will impact the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers throughout the nation and allow them to continue to produce a safe, affordable food supply.”


TK: Randy Russell points out that President Bush seems to be comfortable with governors and ex-governors, and Schafer fits the bill. Sounds like people of ND like him a lot. Another compelling story line is that he is not far removed from the American dream; his maternal grandparents were Danish immigrants.