Intro: Governor Blunt on Wednesday announced his replacement for former Agriculture Director Fred Ferrell, who resigned in February after being accussed of sexual harassment. Cliff Ainsworth has more from the Capital.
If approved by the Senate, Katie Smith would be Missouri's first ever female Agriculture Department Director.
Fred Ferrell was ousted from the post in February amid allegations he had sexually harassed female employees.
Governor Matt Blunt wouldn't directly address whether Smith's gender, or the Ferrell episode played a role in his selection.
Smith is a twenty-nine-year-old Missouri native.
She most recently worked at the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, DC, before her departure three weeks ago.
From the Capital, I'm Cliff Ainsworth. Intro: Governor Matt Blunt announced his choice Wednesday to replace Fred Ferrell as head of the Agriculture Department. If his selection is approved by the Senate, she would be the first woman to take the job. Cliff Ainsworth has more from the Capitol. Three months after Fred Ferrell was forced to step down as Agriculture Director, Governor Matt Blunt wants to fill his spot with a woman.
Ferrell left the department amid allegations that he sexually harassed female employees.
Democratic House Leader Jeff Harris said the appointment of a woman was a positive step, but criticized Blunt's handling of the Ferrell episode.
Smith is a twenty-nine-year-old Missouri native who left her position at the U.S. Department of Energy three weeks ago.
She must receive approval from the Senate before taking the top job at the Agriculture Department.
From the Capital, I'm Cliff Ainsworth.
Actuality: BLUNTAG4.WAV
Run Time: 00:14
Description: A lot of good men and women were considered for the post, and I'm convinced that Katie Smith is the best person to lead the department at a very critical time and she'll be able to build upon the successes that have already been delivered for our family farmers.
Actuality: HARRISC.WAV
Run Time: 00:07
Description: I think Katie Smith is walking into a situation that because of the governor's mismanagement, is going to be a challenging one.
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