Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 10/31/18

As many as six Cabinet members could leave by Jan. 1, POLITICO reported this weekend, citing White House advisers and administration sources. But Perdue is seen as likely to stay on as Agriculture secretary regardless of how the midterms play out.

Here's why:
— The agriculture industry likes him. He's an effective rural ambassador for Trump and has visited almost every state in the nation during his 18 months in office.
— He keeps his head down and has avoided the controversies that have dogged the Trump Cabinet and even brought down some of its members.
— He doesn't appear to be jockeying for his next political move. And he's said to enjoy the gig. Perdue is 71 and has already been governor of Georgia.
— He's working to reorganize parts of USDA. That requires a commitment.

There's always a "but": The secretary has weathered intense pressure from ag producers burned by Trump's trade war, which has depressed commodity prices and driven up certain farm expenses. The new North American trade pact and USDA's trade relief program have eased some of the angst, but trade talks with China have looked unpromising for months.

If the House stays in GOP hands , it would certainly make Perdue's job easier. While he's squabbled with Senate Agriculture Committee leaders at times, he enjoys a friendlier relationship with House Republicans. A Democratic House would be more adversarial on just about every policy issue, from SNAP to trade aid.

News on Zinke: The POLITICO story listed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke as one of the officials likely to depart. It was reported Tuesday that Interior's inspector general referred one of its probes into Zinke's conduct to the DOJ, and CNN even reported that Justice is now investigating him for allegedly using his office for personal gain.