Donald Trump is down to two secretary-level Cabinet positions, and former Gov. Sonny Perdue is a contender for one of them.
With much of his top administration officials settled, including his pick of U.S. Rep. Tom Price of Roswell for health secretary, the president-elect must still tap his Agriculture Secretary.
And Perdue is in a field of candidates for the job that also includes Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a North Dakota Democrat.
“I’m interested in helping the country,” Perdue said after his visit to Trump Tower last month, adding that he told Trump “I’d be happy to serve him if he thought I could be helpful to him.”
He has some powerful allies in the administration. Nick Ayers, Perdue's former campaign manager, is now a top aide to Vice President-elect Mike Pence and was a finalist to lead the Republican National Committee.
Trump will also soon pick a Veteran Affairs secretary from a handful of top candidates, with former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown and Michelle Howard, the first female four-star admiral in Navy history, among them.
“Two more Cabinet positions to fill,” said Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway. “Classic Trump project: ahead of schedule, under budget.”
He also still must choose two other high-profile positions that must be approved by the U.S. Senate – the U.S. Trade Representative and the Director of National Intelligence.
Read more about the Trump transition and the Perdues:
Sonny Perdue meets Donald Trump: 'I'd be happy to serve'
Sonny Perdue discusses 'skill set' with Trump, who still needs ag chief
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