State senator could be named to U-S Ag Department post

A state Senator may become the new U-S Ag Secretary’s top deputy. Thurman Gaskill of Corwith was asked to submit his resume to President-elect Bush’s transition team. Gaskill says he could bring the rural Midwestern atmosphere to Washington. He says he still lives and works on his farm.Bush has tapped Ann Veneman of California to be his Ag Secretary. Midwestern leaders, including both of Iowa’s U-S Senators, are insisting the number two job go to a Midwesterner since a Californian will be in the top job. Gaskill is the past president of the Iowa and National Corngrowers Association.In 1992, Gaskill was national chairman for the Bush campaign and worked in the elder Bush’s D-C offices, where he became friends with George W. He says he would see the younger Bush often and was asked by him to help with his dad’s ag policy.Gaskill says it could be tomorrow or this summer when the Bush team decides to name the top deputy ag secretary.