Exciting news opens up new opportunities

What a dramatic turn of events it has been, not only for Nebraska and the nation, but for the people of McCook and Southwest Nebraska as well. Suddenly, Nebraska has another governor with a connection to McCook, and the nation will soon have a Secretary of Agriculture who many in this area know on a first name basis.

Catching almost everyone by surprise, President George W. Bush set off the wave of excitement Wednesday when he announced that Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns was his selection to become the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

Upon hearing the news, Nebraskans were abuzz about the implications of Johanns leaving the governor's chair and taking on the top job in the ag department.

All at once, the stage was set for Lt. Gov. Dave Heineman to become Nebraska's governor. That's a mark of distinction for several Nebraska communities -- including McCook and Benkelman -- because Heineman lived here during his childhood years. Thus, he will join Ralph G. Brooks, Frank B. Morrison and Ben Nelson as governors with McCook ties.

And -- on the national level -- Johanns selection as ag secretary means that people from this area and this state will be able to communicate with a friend about the important agriculture issues facing this nation.

Following the president's announcement, praise for Johanns flowed from both political parties and Nebraska's leading farm organizations. There's good reason for the acclaim. Johanns is an excellent choice to lead the ag department. He grew up on a dairy farm in Iowa, and, as Nebraska governor, has worked hard to expand foreign markets.

He realizes -- as do many of us who live in the Heartland of America -- how important it is to revive the rural sections of America. We provide the nation's roots. Rural America must be nurtured for the nation to grow and prosper.

And, third, Johanns' selection as ag chief adds new intrigue to Nebraska's political horizon. That's particularly true for the 2006 Senate race, with Johanns' exit leaving McCook native Sen. Ben Nelson, a Democrat, as the clear-cut favorite for re-election. Also, since Heineman will become a sitting governor, what effect will that have on Congressman Tom Osborne's decision to run for governor?

Lots of questions. Lots of excitement. Johanns' selection as ag secretary caught us by surprise, but, very quickly, we are realizing that the effects of the change will be good for this nation, this state and this area.