Nominee for agriculture secretary says he's anxious to serve nation

Published: 2004-12-08

LINCOLN, Neb. (CNS) -- From a farm in north central Iowa to the governor's office in Nebraska and to a nomination to serve on President George W. Bush's Cabinet is a journey Mike Johanns never thought he would make. On Dec. 2 Bush nominated Johanns, the Republican governor of Nebraska and a Catholic, to be the 28th U.S. secretary of agriculture. If confirmed by the Senate, Johanns will replace Ann Veneman, the first woman to head the Department of Agriculture. In an interview with the Southern Nebraska Register, newspaper of the Lincoln Diocese, Johanns said he accepted Bush's nomination with a sense of duty and service to the United States and to agriculture. "I am very excited about this opportunity," he said. "I have tremendous respect for President Bush and for the work he is doing for our country." Lincoln Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz was among church leaders who praised Johanns' nomination. The governor and his wife, Stephanie, have been members of St. Mary Parish in Lincoln for 11 years. "Gov. Johanns certainly knows the nature and needs of the American farmer," Bishop Bruskewitz said. "With his broad experience in government and firsthand knowledge of farming, Gov. Johanns will be an effective advocate for the family farmer."

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