Jill Long Thompson as Agriculture Secretary?

I don't know (0.00 / 0)

Does she have any post-graduate degrees?

There is no windchill at absolute zero.

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by: Masson @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 08:29:46 AM CST

A good question. (0.00 / 0)

Along those same lines, does anyone have some biographical information regarding her possible upbringing in and around the agricultural industry?

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by: Thomas @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 08:43:45 AM CST

[ Parent ]

She was an under-secretary (0.00 / 0)

in the Clinton Agriculture department.

Hoosier Progressive

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by: Vox Populi @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 10:58:19 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Mine was a bad attempt at humor (0.00 / 0)

...and I think Doug's was as well, albeit more successful.

"Grew up on a farm," etc.

She's obviously qualified -- I just question whether she has enough goodwill anywhere to make it happen.

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by: Thomas @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 11:06:11 AM CST

[ Parent ]

On a somewhat related note... (0.00 / 0)

...I seem to remember reading a few stories during my Lexis searches about the then T-less JLT being the leading candidate for Ag. Secretary under Clinton, but claims that racial diversity were being left by the wayside may have derailed her bid.

Anyone have any background on that? My politically-aware memory doesn't extend back far enough...

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by: Thomas @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 11:11:24 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Are you 13? (1.00 / 1)

ELLSWORTH FOR SENATE 2010

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by: Mario Cuomo @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 15:33:40 PM CST

[ Parent ]

You've got to be a real treat to hang out with -- (4.00 / 1)

All comedy is pain, dude. If you don't think the gubernatorial race provided enough pain for at least a few jokes, you're missing out on the finer things in life.

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by: Thomas @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 15:59:26 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Nah (0.00 / 0)

I prefer my humor with a little more wit and irony, personally.  The chest-bumping, frat boy-style zingers really never did anything for me.  And, unsurprisingly, the repetition of the same joke is just irritating.  Oh, and I also don't enjoy watching organized sporting events.  I guess I just define my finer things differently. But I don't feel deprived in the least for it.   (Smiley face.)

ELLSWORTH FOR SENATE 2010

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by: Mario Cuomo @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 16:11:41 PM CST

[ Parent ]

my opinion (0.00 / 0)

We would need someone with a MBA and a PHD....did Jill ever mention if she had any of those degrees??????????

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by: Howard C. @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 16:36:21 PM CST

[ Parent ]

You're right about (4.00 / 2)

the Ag Secy talk under Clinton, Thomas...I distinctly remember it.  She didn't get that job, but got the No. 4 position there, with cabinet undersecretary (Senate confirmation required) rank.

Enough good will?  Are you serious?  You've really got to put down the Jill hate-pens.  She has a multitude of friends in the incoming administration among Clintonistas, and around DC.

I don't know why anyone would want the Ag job, but if she does, she's definitely got the bona fides, including contacts, support and ability.

As for Roemer...well, he's qualified, and nice.  He's also son-in-law to the former Louisiana Sen. Bennett Johnston, a powerful lobbyist.  He has the juice to get something if he wants it.

But Howey hasn't been right about much of anything lately...so I wouldn't get too excited about that.   We could certainly do worse than Roemer, or Thompson, in the cabinet.  And for eight years we have.

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by: Blue State Blues @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 13:05:00 PM CST

My point wasn't that she's unqualified... (0.00 / 0)

...but rather that some of the other candidates -- who I'll admit to knowing nothing about -- may have some sort of favor owed, etc.

This has nothing to do with a hate-pen, at least this time.

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by: Thomas @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 13:18:11 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Also... (0.00 / 0)

...we all know that Howey will put Daniels as his #1 on the power ranking. Roemer probably makes the list pretty easily, CIA position or not. The guy worked his ass off for Obama, and that will pay off at some point down the line.

I'm pretty sure that last year's list -- or maybe it was 2006 -- had Advance Indiana as an honorable mention. I don't think that will be happening this year.

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by: Thomas @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 16:06:56 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The Short List (0.00 / 0)

Don't know that I see the gig going to either Stenhold or Sandlin as that would open up a potentially competitive seat (especially the SD one.  I don't know much about Stenholm's seat off the top of my head).  

That leaves JLT, Tom Bius and the Penn Ag. Sec.  JLT obviously has Indiana Ag ties and Bius used to handle Ag. for the late Jim Jontz (from the old 5th District).  

So, if this list is right, it gives us a 2 out of 3 chance to have a Secretary of Agriculture with Indiana ties.  All told, it seems like a good position to be in.  

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by: dbaltman @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 21:31:00 PM CST