Vilsack to head US agriculture department
Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack was chosen for Agriculture Secretary by President elect Barack Obama.
“I am confident that we have the team we need to make the rural agenda
America’s agenda, to create millions of new green jobs, to free our nation from
its dependence on oil and to help preserve this planet for our children. In the
end, that is not only our responsibility as Americans, it is our obligation as
stewards of God’s Earth,” Obama said.
Vilsack was a strong supporter of
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who lost the Iowa caucuses to Obama during the
Democratic presidential nomination campaign.
Vilsack, 58, is a strong
backer of alternative energy including biofuels, an issue that benefits Iowa
farmers.
The appointment came as the transition team rushed to complete
the Cabinet selection before Obama heads to Hawaii for a Christmas
vacation.
