Vilsack Nominated to head Agriculture

President-Elect Barack Obama has nominated former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to be Secretary of Agriculture. Gov. Vilsack has maintained very good positions on immigration, including the creation of immigrant welcome centers in Iowa and an openness to a broader vision of visas. Over the past year, I have had the privilege to serve with Gov. Vilsack on the UFCW’s National Commission on ICE Misconduct. He has been an outspoken critic of the tactics used by ICE in Postville and at earlier operations in Iowa. Gov. Vilsack is a very honest, honorable public servant who has a strong humanitarian side. I hope he’s able to get the ear of folks over at DHS from time to time as he serves in the new administration.

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