Dick Rush and Wally Hedrick have been confirmed by the Obama Administration as Idaho's new USDA farm service agency director and state director for rural development, respectively. Both were nominated for those posts by Congressman Walt Minnick, Idaho's highest-ranking official who is of the same party as the administration, Democratic. “Richard Rush has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration’s efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. And on Hedrick's appointment, he said, “Wallace Hendrick will be an important advocate on behalf of rural communities throughout the state and help administer the valuable programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance their economic success.” Yes, the USDA apparently added an N to Hedrick's last name.

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