MIKE JOHANNS

'Michael Owen Johanns' (born June 18, 1950) is an American Republican politician. A former Governor of Nebraska, he serves as the 28th, and current, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. He is the second Nebraskan to hold the position.

Contents

Early history

Current

Future Plans

External links

Early history

Johanns was born in Osage, Iowa, and grew up living and working on his family's farm. After graduating from high school, Johanns went on to study at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona. He earned a law degree from Creighton University. After his graduation, Johanns began practicing law in O'Neill and Lincoln, Nebraska.
Johanns served on the Lancaster County Board from 1983-1987, and on the Lincoln City Council from 1989-1991. He was elected mayor of Lincoln in 1991 and 1995. He successfully ran for Governor of Nebraska in 1998.

Johanns was elected Governor in 1998 by defeating Democratic opponent Bill Hoppner by a margin of 54% to 46%. He won reelection in 2002 by a landslide, defeating Democrat Stormy Dean by a margin of 69% to 27%.

Current

On December 2 2004, Johanns was nominated by President George W. Bush to replace outgoing Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman. As a result, he scrapped plans to run against Democratic Senator Ben Nelson in 2006. Johanns was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 20 2005, hours after Bush's second inauguration. He tendered his resignation as Governor of Nebraska on that day. On the next day he was sworn in.
Johanns is married to Stephanie Johanns, a former Lancaster County Commissioner and Nebraska State Senator. They have two children.

Future Plans

There is speculation that Johanns may run for the United States Senate in 2008 if Senator Chuck Hagel decides not to run for re-election. [1], [2]

External links

★ White House Biography

★ USDA Biography