Nelson for Ag?
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., refused to say whether a White House official had asked him about taking the agriculture secretary job as rumored.But sources tell Channel 6 that Nelson will meet with advisers to mull over the situation.
On the record Nelson says, "I like what I'm doing and that's where I am at the moment and that's my thought at the moment."
Reports coming out of Washington say President Bush's political strategist Karl Rove talked with Nelson about accepting the post left by Ann Veneman, who has resigned as Bush reshuffles his Cabinet.
"The senator doesn't discuss private conversations with the president and his staff and he won't confirm or deny that any conversations have taken place," said Nelson spokesman David DiMartino.
No fault in tight lips from White House convos - that's normal practice and it should remain as such. But I suspect this decision comes down to Nelson deciding if he thinks he can survive a challenge in '06 from Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns (who is no doubt the likely successor if Nelson moves down Pennsylvania Ave anyways). Of course, the move for Nelson would end the brief blip of speculation on his White House bid in '08. Ah well, it made for good conversation the day or two it was out there.