Johanns will resign as agriculture secretary, run for Senate (announcement by President Bush)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10136115

BY JAKE THOMPSON
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

WASHINGTON — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns is resigning to run for the U.S. Senate in Nebraska. The White House scheduled an announcement for this morning by President Bush, who will be joined by Johanns, a senior administration official said Wednesday evening.

that Johanns' resignation is "imminent" and that the former governor will make a formal announcement about his Senate bid in a week to 10 days.


Word from a supporter is that Ag Secretary Mike Johanns plans a "major announcement" next week.

After reports surfaced about Johanns' plans, some critics quickly went on the attack.

Johanns would be leaving the U.S. Department of Agriculture before Congress approves a new farm bill, which happens every five years, said state Democratic Party spokesman Eric Fought.

"It's interesting," Fought said, "this was supposed to be his dream job, and he's looking to leave it before he's done."

Resignation would free Johanns from the Hatch Act's prohibition on federal employees being candidates for partisan public office. He then could formally enter the race to succeed Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, who is retiring at the end of 2008.

FULL story at link.

[Kolesar]

1. ADM-Cargill-Monsanto have their candidate

Time to start bundling contributions.

(ok. I don't really know if Johanns is coupled to mega-agri-business.)

[hlthe2b]

2. re: "(announcement by President Bush)"

I just cringe when DUers accord Bush* the respect due a truly elected President, while they will refer to Senator Clinton as "Hillary" (or worse), former President Jimmy Carter as "Jimmy Carter," etc., etc. For the life of me, I don't know why you would refer to Bush* as "President"-- unqualified.... What, pray tell, has he done to earn such respect? Guess it must be "dear leader" syndrome....:shrug: