Defeated Republican House candidate Larry Diedrich said he is in the running for Secretary of Agriculture.

Diedrich said he is on the "shorter list" of possible candidates to replace Ann Veneman, who resigned. He said Sen-elect John Thune (R) is lobbying on his behalf.

Diedrich, a rancher and former state lawmaker, lost to Democrat Stephanie Herseth on November 2. It was the second time he was defeated in an election where Indian voters overwhelmingly chose Herseth.

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Diedrich says he's on ag secretary 'shorter list' (The Rapid City Journal 12/1)

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