Two prominent farm-state senators, a Democrat and a Republican, threw cold water on the possibility that Barack Obama might pick former Bush Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman as his running mate Saturday morning. A third, Democrat Kent Conrad, once wrote a letter to the president asking that he force her resignation.
Politico reported Friday that Obama veep vetters Eric Holder and Caroline Kennedy had broached Veneman, who is now the executive director of UNICEF, in meetings with unnamed lawmakers.
"It's an interesting thought, but I think that's all it is," said Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., who was discussed as a possible successor to Veneman at USDA when she abruptly resigned several months after Conrad's letter.
Iowa Republican Charles E. Grassley was even more frank: "I don't think it would be a good signal to send to the Midwest for Obama."
Veneman Stock Not Ripe in the Senate
Grassley explained his view that Veneman was more sympathetic to
corporate agriculture interests than family farmers, a view likely
supported by Iowa hog farmers.
As for members of Congress who were asked their opinions of Veneman, he said, "I bet they are saying 'Ann who?'"
Veneman won unanimous confirmation by the Senate in 2001. But she had run-ins with a number of Obama's staunchest congressional allies over farm policy, including Conrad.
Conrad called for her dismissal in May 2004 after reading reports that the U.S. was continuing to import beef from Canada despite a year-old federal moratorium spurred by Mad Cow disease.
As for members of Congress who were asked their opinions of Veneman, he said, "I bet they are saying 'Ann who?'"
Veneman won unanimous confirmation by the Senate in 2001. But she had run-ins with a number of Obama's staunchest congressional allies over farm policy, including Conrad.
Conrad called for her dismissal in May 2004 after reading reports that the U.S. was continuing to import beef from Canada despite a year-old federal moratorium spurred by Mad Cow disease.
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