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Coloradan in Cabinet?

Ag post would be apt for plowman from Manassa

By Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News (Contact), Katie Kerwin McCrimmon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published December 4, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Rep. John Salazar claps while brother Ken Salazar speaks at the Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Center in August.

Photo by Judy Dehaas / The Rocky

Rep. John Salazar claps while brother Ken Salazar speaks at the Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Center in August.

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If President-elect Barack Obama taps U.S. Rep. John Salazar to run the Department of Agriculture, he'll get a Cabinet secretary who knows how to get his hands dirty.

After all, when the San Luis Valley native first ran in the 3rd Congressional District in 2004, his campaign slogan was "Send a farmer to Congress."

In a few short years, Salazar has gone from potato farmer to state lawmaker to congressman and now possibly a Cabinet post. Asked about that Wednesday, he said: "I've always known how to work hard, I've always done what I believe is best in my heart.

"I'm just John," he said.

The Ag post would be fitting for the farmer from Manassa. His congressional district encompasses hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland and public forests.

"This is something that would fit with what I've done all my life," Salazar said. "I've fought for water. I've fought for agriculture. I've fought to make sure farmers could stay on their land."

Obama's communications officers declined to say anything about Salazar on Wednesday, saying that they don't comment on potential candidates. But others touted Salazar - including his younger brother, U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, of Denver. The senator said he has not talked to Obama about the appointment.

"I'm sure he has many great and wonderful candidates. I'm proud my brother is in that group," Ken Salazar said. "I do think the voice of rural America and agriculture would be heard loud and clear with John as their champion."

John Straayer, a political analyst and professor at Colorado State University, said John Salazar is an appealing choice on a number of different levels.

"He's Hispanic. He's a farmer. He's a Westerner. He's got his feet firmly planted on the land. All of those things add to his attraction," Straayer said.

If Salazar is tapped for Obama's Cabinet, Gov. Bill Ritter would set an election date between 75 and 90 days after the vacancy emerged. Both parties would then meet to select candidates to face off for the seat.

"Looking at sheer numbers, it is a Republican district, without question," Straayer said. "The Republicans would go after it. But the Democrats are in good shape in Congress. They are not going to lose their majority if this seat were to turn."

Salazar and wife Mary Lou said the phone hasn't stopping ringing at his Manassa home since his name surfaced this week.

"It's incredible. It's exciting. I'm truly humbled. It's like music to my ears," he said. "Mary Lou and I have talked about it. If it does become a reality we are ready to accept the challenge.

"It's a real long shot, but I'm deeply honored to even be considered."

bartels@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5327