Sheila Schafer of Bismarck, widow of Harold Schafer and Ed Schafer's stepmother, said that it was exactly 15 years ago on Halloween that Ed Schafer announced for governor.

Ed Schafer tipped her off that this announcement also would be made on Halloween, she said: "I promised Ed and I promised God not to tell.

"I'm so excited I can't stand it," she said of her stepson's nomination.

Both Tom Kleppe, another North Dakotan who served as secretary of the interior, and now Ed Schafer, have a connection to Gold Seal, the company founded by Harold Schafer - Kleppe served as its president and Ed Schafer as well, she said.

"How proud Harold would be," she said.

This nomination is wonderful for the state of North Dakota, Sheila Schafer said.

"My heart is full of joy. I'm proud to be one of his parents."

Gary Emineth, chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party, said he was thrilled to hear this morning's news that former governor Ed Schafer will be nominated as agriculture secretary.

"It's just a great opportunity for one of our great Republican leaders to be on the national scene," Emineth said. "I think it's incredible that somebody from North Dakota would be selected to serve in the president's cabinet."

Emineth said he heard rumors about a week ago that Schafer was being considered.

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., released the following statement through his press office:

"Governor Schafer called me this morning and told me he will be nominated by President Bush to be the next Secretary of Agriculture. I congratulated him and told him I look forward to meeting and visiting with him as he begins the confirmation process here in the Senate. I think it's a real honor to have a North Dakotan nominated for a Cabinet position."

Sen. Kent Conrad, D-North Dakota, released a similar statement.

"I just congratulated Governor Schafer and said I welcomed his nomination as a fellow North Dakotan. I hope he will support this Farm Bill, which is good for our state and the nation. I look forward to speaking with him about his views on the Food and Energy Security Act currently under consideration."

Click here to view video of President Bush nominating former Governor Ed Schafer.

Click here to view Schafer's resume.