Head of Black Farmers’ Group Is Potential Pick for Agriculture Secretary

[cali]

By Aliya Sternstein, CQ Staff
John Boyd, president of the National Black Farmers Association, is among those being vetted for Agriculture secretary in the Obama Cabinet, an individual with knowledge of the transition process said Thursday.

Congressional Black Caucus members are backing Boyd in an attempt to reverse the department’s track record on civil rights, which government investigators and outside watchdogs have described as abysmal, aides said.

The fourth-generation farmer and civil rights activist would be a surprise choice given the leadership pedigrees of other possible nominees, such as former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack. But the pick would help fulfill President-elect Barack Obama ’s pledge to include a diverse group of leaders in senior administration positions.

Black Caucus members, including Rep. Robert C. Scott , D-Va., are pulling for Boyd at least to get a spot as Farm Service Agency director in his home state of Virginia. Boyd ran unsuccessfully in 2000 for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District seat against then-independent Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr. , now a Republican. Boyd’s name also has been floated as a potential assistant Agriculture secretary for civil rights, where he could help ensure that the department complies with equal opportunity laws.

“I’m counting on the Obama administration to start solving the civil rights problems at USDA,” said caucus member Edolphus Towns , D-N.Y., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement. “John Boyd is someone who has a lot of credibility with black farmers and on Capitol Hill and would be a good choice to run that office.”

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http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002985974

[jonestonesusa]

1. Thanks for the post.

I would love to see this. It would be one hopeful sign that progressive people and policies will be a part of an Obama administration. The news on Clinton, Emmanuel, Lieberman, etc. are not good signs, in my opinion, that the core progressives in the Democratic party will have much influence on an Obama administration. I understand inclusivity, but progressives should not be excluded.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. That would bring us full circle.

USDA has a horrible horrible record with respect hiring blacks (as well as discrimination, etc).

Oh my goodness, this guy is WAY qualified! He's a 4th generation farmer, and currently farms both food crops and cattle (and had also farmed tobacco). Time to give other parts of the country a chance. Farming isn't only in the MW but in every single part of the country!

[ellacott]

3. I never would have thought of him, this is a fascinating pick

There have been some major issues regarding black farmers and the way they've been treated by this govt.

If this is true, cool.

[Thrill]

4. so this post is bogus?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7895282&mesg_id=7895282

[BumRushDaShow]

5. I have that OP on ignore.