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Courtesy: Des Moines Register - November 15, 2005

 

Vilsack gives former aide ag secretary endorsement

Thomas Beaumont, Des Moines Register Staff Writer

 

 

Gov. Tom Vilsack on Monday endorsed former aide Dusky Terry as his choice for Iowa agriculture secretary.

The public support marks the Democratic governor's first formal backing of a Democrat seeking statewide office.

Terry, 30, had been a top aide to Vilsack since the Democrat's election in 1998, most recently serving as his policy director. Terry resigned in August to explore running for agriculture secretary.

Also seeking the Democratic nomination are Atlantic farmer Denise O'Brien and former Webster County Supervisor Eddie Peterson.

Milo farmer Karey Claghorn, former Iowa Agricultural Development Authority Chairman Mark Leonard and former National Corn Growers Association President Bill Northey are running as Republicans.

Vilsack appeared with Polk County Auditor Michael Mauro when the Democrat announced his candidacy for secretary of state. But Vilsack said he endorsed Terry based on their personal relationship over the past six years.

"He is as close to me as my two sons," Vilsack said of Terry during a morning news conference at the Iowa Capitol. "And if people have a problem with that, then so be it."