State’s largest grassroots organization encourages voters to consider designations during November elections

The Iowa Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (PAC) has named the 2008 Friends of Agriculture.  Candidates seeking state and national offices this fall receive the honor because of their support for agriculture, rural communities and Farm Bureau policy.
“Friends of Agriculture are candidates who have demonstrated their support for agriculture through their words and actions,” said Jim Neel, PAC Chair.  “Our designations are influenced by statewide grassroots input and are only given when a candidate exhibits a clear understanding and record of support for Farm Bureau policy issues.  We look forward to working with candidates who possess this type of understanding and experience.”

In U.S. House races, incumbents Bruce Braley (District 1), Dave Loebsack (District 2), Leonard Boswell (District 3), Tom Latham (District 4) and Steve King (District 5) were recognized as Friends of Agriculture. The Farm Bureau PAC also gave the designation to candidates in 16 Iowa Senate and 62 Iowa House districts.

The grassroots effort to designate Friends of Agriculture is guided by members and begins in July when county committees start evaluating candidates.  More than 90 County Farm Bureau Campaign 2008 Committees submitted candidate evaluations this year.  The nine-member PAC committee carefully reviews evaluations and questionnaires, while also considering candidates positions on issues of importance to members, leadership on Farm Bureau priorities and past voting records.

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