U.S. President George W. Bush (R) listens to Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns speak after nominating him for Secretary of Agriculture in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, December 2, 2004. If confirmed, Johanns will replace Secretary Ann Veneman, who announced her intention to step down. (Photo: Xinhua/Reuters)

US President George W. Bush named Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns as the new secretary of agriculture on Thursday, to succeed Ann M. Veneman, who announced her resignation in mid-November.

Johanns becomes the fifth candidate that Bush has chosen for his second-term cabinet. The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

Johanns, 54, was born in Iowa and won Nebraska governor's office in 1998.

Seven of Bush's 15 cabinet members have announced their resignations so far, and more are expected.

Attorney General John Ashcroft and Commerce Secretary Don Evansannounced their resignations on Nov. 9, one week after Bush was reelected on Nov. 2, followed by Secretary of State Colin Powell, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, Education Secretary Rod Paige and Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman in mid-November.

Tom Ridge, the first US homeland security secretary, announced his resignation on Tuesday.

Besides Johanns, Bush has chosen four other candidates, three of them from within the White House, for his new cabinet, to head the departments of State, Justice, Education and Commerce.