Ag Policy Blog

Current members of the Cabinet have not said whether they will serve in a second term, but the National Journal has reported that if Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack were to leave, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., might be a candidate to succeed him.

No member of the Cabinet important to rural America has announced plans, but Cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the president and therefore do not say whether they want to stay on or not.

National Journal said Conrad also could be a candidate to direct the Office of Management and Budget, and that if Energy Secretary Stephen Chu leaves, former Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., might be a candidate for that post.

If Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson leaves, the speculation is that Bob Perciasepe, the agency's deputy administrator and chief operating officer, might move up. Other candidates are Heather Zichal, the White House's top aide on energy and climate, and Bradley Campbell, a former New Jersey commissioner of environmental protection.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is expected to remain in his position

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