Decision Still Pending on USDA Cabinet Position

Current Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller reportedly remains in the running to lead USDA, with spokesman Mark Loeffler confirming that Miller has been in touch with Reince Priebus, the outgoing Republican National Committee chairman and Trump's appointed chief of staff, about "setting a meeting for next week."Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter, a former president at potato giant Simplot, was recently mentioned as a possible USDA leader, with Bill Flory of the Idaho Wheat Commission, a member of Trump's 64-member agricultural advisory committee, telling the San Antonio Express-News that Otter was an energetic and pro-trade leader who "ran the state like business" and "would really complement the [Trump] administration."Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat from North Dakota, also has been a serious contender, though her reported vetting upset some Trump supporters.House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, is backing Susan Combs, a Texas politician who served as the state's agriculture commissioner and comptroller, for USDA Secretary, one of the few remaining Cabinet posts to be filled. Combs met with VP-elect Mike Pence Tuesday.There was a photo yesterday of Iowa businessman Bruce Rastetter at Trump Tower. A reporter Wednesday asked a Trump spokesman whether he is being considered for any administration post. Jason Miller, the transition team's communications director, said, "Do not know if Rastetter is being considered for a particular post. Obviously someone who comes with a wealth of knowledge and is very well known in Iowa politics, but don't have any particular updates on his meeting with transition officials."The president-elect reportedly has vetted only two members of the advisory committee to lead USDA, Nebraska cattleman Charles Herbster and former Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue.