A Cowboy Hat And Bolo Tie

Pres.-elect Barack Obama today tapped Tom Vilsack as his Agriculture Secretary and Sen. Ken Salazar as his Interior Secretary, saying he is "extraordinarily pleased" to have two men on his team who are fit to meet the "energy and natural resource challenges" facing the nation.

"It is time for a new kind of leadership in Washington that is committed to using all of our land in a responsible way to benefit our families," Obama said.

Obama said Vilsack and Salazar, who donned a cowboy hat and bolo tie for the announcement, will help guide the administration's efforts to use farmlands not only to strengthen the country's agricultrual economy but to advance the production of biofuels. He also noted, about Salazar in particular, that tribal nations will have a voice in that process.

Salazar: "My story in America began more than 400 years ago when my ancestors settled the city of Santa Fe, NM. ... Today, as I stand here, I see their faith shining brightly on Barack Obama."

Salazar said he looks forward to protecting national parks, farm and ranchlands, and restoring the nation's rivers. He also said he aims to help Obama to "take the moonshot on energy independence."

Vilsack said Obama has "articulated a compelling vision" for the Agriculture Department that includes improving profitability for farmers and ranchers while also working to preserve the nation's natural resources.

Given his experience as IA governor, Vilsack said today, "I know these people. America's farmers and ranchers deserve a Secretary of Agriculture who respects them for the contribution they make every day."

(JENNIFER SKALKA)