“I made it very clear I did not want an offer,” [Peterson] said Monday of his comments to Obama’s staff.
And whenever he speaks to a group, which happens a lot as a powerful chairman, one of his lines is: “I guarantee you it is not going to be me.”
The Obama people have not been hounding him to accept: “They have not contacted me. They have not sent me anything. They have not asked me anything.”
Peterson speculated that maybe the Obama folks are using his name as a distraction: “They can use me to keep the focus off whoever they want to get in there.”
I actually think the DFL would have a decent chance at holding the 7th if Peterson were to leave. We’ve got a decent bench up there, led by St. Rep. Paul Marquart. Still, its a relief to know that Peterson isn’t going anywhere soon.
Just as well he isn’t going. If you look at the last farm bill, you wouldn’t want him anywhere near the office.
He will not be Treasury Secretary, he was already named yesterday: Tim Geithner from the NY Federal Reserve. I think you mean Agriculture Secretary.
Honestly, Peterson probably has more influence as the Chair of his Ag Committee than he would as the Secretary of the DoA.
Paul Marquart is perfect fit for the district when and if Peterson steps aside. It will not be soon though. Peterson is now chair of the Ag Committee and can have the chair as long as he wants it. Peterson waited until summer, I think, to get behind any Democrat for President so I don’t think Obama is clamoring for him.
we wouldnt want to lose a true conservative from our delegation.