Reports: Texans Susan Combs, Sid Miller Potential Picks for Trump's Agriculture Secretary

AUSTIN — President-elect Donald Trump is considering adding another Texan to his growing cabinet as agriculture secretary, according to media reports: Susan Combs The former Texas comptroller and agriculture commissioner met with Vice President-elect Mike Pence on Tuesday, according to Politico, indicating she could be a candidate for one of three remaining cabinet spots that has yet to be filled. Texas' current Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is also planning a visit to Trump Tower and has had multiple conversations with Trump's transition team, according to a report from the Texas Tribune.Many expected Trump's pick to come from within his agriculture advisory committee, which includes Miller, according to Politico. Combs is not a member of the committee and is seen by some as a dark-horse candidate for the post.House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway told Politico that Combs is a "stunningly capable woman" and has the right experience to perform well in this cabinet post. "She's a proven commodity in Texas," he said. "I think she'll bring those tools and talents to USDA."Combs was the first female agriculture commissioner in Texas and held the post for eight years before being elected comptroller. Some conservative politicians in Texas have criticized her for left-leaning stances and her mismanagement of the comptroller's office. "She put in place more restrictive liberal policies than Michelle Obama in Texas -- the most conservative state in the union," a political operative close to Miller told Politico. "I'd advise Trump to keep [current Agriculture Secretary Tom] Vilsack [over her] because he's more conservative than she is."If tapped for the position, Combs would be third Texan named to Trump's cabinet. Former Gov. Rick Perry has been tapped to lead the Energy Department and Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson is Trump's nominee for secretary of state.   Continue reading...