Bush's USDA Nominee Has Deep Farming Roots
WASHINGTON — Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns, nominated by President Bush on Thursday to be the next Agriculture secretary, grew up on an Iowa dairy farm and has traveled widely to promote farm products from Nebraska, where he has served as governor for two terms.
If confirmed by the Senate, Johanns, 54, would succeed Ann M. Veneman, a Californian, as head of the 113,000-employee department.
His appointment was hailed by a cross-section of interest groups with often-competing positions on issues that come before the agency. Some Democrats from the Plains states also praised Johanns' appointment.
In a brief ceremony in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Bush hailed Johanns as a son of the heartland who "grew up close to the land" and who had long been "a faithful friend to America's farmers and ranchers."
Two years ago, Johanns became the first Republican to be reelected governor of Nebraska in almost half a century. He traveled around the world to promote Nebraska agricultural products. But he also stayed in touch at home, visiting each of the state's 93 counties.
As governor, Johanns promoted tax relief, opposed pay raises for public officials, vetoed a moratorium on the death penalty and, in a move that earned him the support of many unions in the state, supported a meatpacking workers' bill of rights after shoddy workplace practices were exposed.
Johanns has a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Winona, Minn., and a law degree from Creighton University in Omaha. He began his public service career in 1982, when he was elected to the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners. He later became a Lincoln city councilman and then mayor.
Bush and Johanns met a decade ago, when they were governors. Bush was elected Texas governor in 1994, and Johanns four years later.
"I've known Mike for a number of years, going back to my own service as a governor," the president said as he introduced Johanns. "I know firsthand his deep commitment to a strong farm economy. He's been a leader on drought relief in Nebraska and throughout the Midwest. He's a strong proponent of alternative energy sources, such as ethanol and biodiesel. He's traveled the world to promote American farm exports."
Johanns' appointment would appear to rule him out as a potential 2006 challenger to Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), who Republicans believe is vulnerable.
