It would be a Machiavellian move for Bush to name Nelson secretary of Agriculture. Nelson faces a tough potential reelection challenge in 2006 from Nebraska's Republican Gov. Mike Johanns. If Nelson goes to Agriculture, Johanns could appoint a GOP seat-warmer as Nelson's interim successor, bringing the Republican Senate majority to 56, and closer to the 60 votes needed to end Democratic filibusters. Would Nelson consider the position? "Any time the President talks, you listen," he told reporters.
