What does Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin do in 2010—or before?

There was talk election night at the SD Democratic Victory Party Tuesday (that seems like an eternity ago now) that she might be in line for Secretary of Agriculture.  That would be intriguing.  She is a farm girl.  She’s on the House Ag Committee.  She represents a farm state.  She’s a moderate.  And I believe she would be the first woman Ag Secretary.  She’s also smart as hell.

And the potential loss of one Democrat from the large House majority wouldn’t make a dent to the Democrats.  And we might just elect another Democrat in a special election—Calling Scott Heidepriem?  Mike Huether?  Maggie Gillespie?

In some ways, this might burnish Stephanie’s resume to be a possible Presidential or Vice Presidential candidate in 2016 or 2020 more than being the Governor of South Dakota would.  It is actually running a large, important federal agency that is in charge of America’s most important industry.

Does she want to raise her child in DC rather than Pierre or Brookings?  I’m sure that would be a consideration.

There are others on the list to be agriculture secretary, including another South Dakotan, Tom Daschle, and Tom’s pal from the National Farmers Union, NFU president Tom Buis.  I’m sure there are others as well, people we do and don’t know.

So, wither Stephanie?  Governor in 2010?  U.S. Senate in 2010?  U.S. House in 2010?  Secretary of Agriculture in 2009? 

Vote your suggestion now in this important EppPoll!  See the poll in the right hand column.

Caricature of Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin courtesy of Jackie Dusseau-Bielke and used with permission.