Conversation so far:
What did Veneman do in her legal career
Ann Veneman began her legal career as a staff attorney with the General Counsel's office of the Bay Area Rapid Transit District in Oakland, California, in 1976.
How long did Veneman serve as deputy public defender?
In 1978, Ann Veneman returned to Modesto, where she served as a Deputy Public Defender. In 1980, she joined the Modesto law firm of Damrell, Damrell and Nelson,
Did Ann Veneman move into politics after her time as deputy public defender in Modesto California?
Ann Veneman joined the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service in 1986, serving as Associate Administrator until 1989.
In what year did Ann Veneman first start getting involved in politics?
Veneman joined the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service in 1986.
What was the first political office Ann Veneman held?
Ann Veneman joined the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service in 1986, serving as Associate Administrator.
How long did Ann Veneman hold that her position as Associate Administrator?
Ann Veneman joined the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service in 1986, serving as Associate Administrator until 1989.
Did Ann Veneman advance her career in politics in 2001?
On 20 January 2001 Ann Veneman was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate and sworn in as Secretary of Agriculture.
What did Ann Veneman do after she left the secratary of agriculture position?
Ann Veneman took a break from political and administrative office to practice with the law firm and lobby group Patton, Boggs & Blow.

Question: What was her postion in the government
Self-contained rewrite: What was Ann Veneman's postion in the government?