NFU President: McCain Bad for Farmers
I was on a teleconference with Tom Buis, president of National Farmers Union. He also advised former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle on farm issues.
Buis said he has never seen a greater contrast in the candidates for President on agriculture.
“Sen. McCain, in the House and Senate for a quarter of a century, has always been a vocal critic of American agriculture,” he said.
Buis also says McCain could cripple the alternative fuels industry.
“He (McCain) votes against renewable energy—not just votes against it but speaks out against it,” Buis said. “It’s a very wrong move.”
“This election is too important for rural America to go down that road and not produce alternative energy.”
So, despite all this, why does rural America seem to support McCain?
“It’s a lack of education and understanding,” according to Buis.
Jason Frerichs, a Democratic legislative candidate from northeast South Dakota and president of the Roberts County Farmers Union said the alternative energy business is at a critical juncture.
“We’re at a crossroads with the renewable fuels industry in South Dakota,” Frerichs, said. “Now is not the time for Sen. McCain to throw up the white flag on renewable fuels.”
Buis wouldn’t speculate on who Obama would pick as Secretary of Agriculture should the Illinois Senator win next week.
Rick Hauffe, South Dakota Democratic Party executive director, said Buis is on the short list of possible ag secretary candidates for Barack Obama.
Todd Epp
in 2008 Election, 2008 Presidential Election, Agriculture, Media, S.D. Press
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You asked an excellent question about why rural areas vote Republican and Tom's answer was that the lack of education on the issues and understanding of how rural communities get the shaft was on target. We've been trying to make sure folks get the message that McCain will destroy South Dakota's ethanol industry in a two-punch move:
1. He will kill the Renewable Fuel Standard and federal support.
2. He will remove tariffs on Brazilian ethanol because it's horribly cheap.
The message needs to get through the filters of the news media which either doesn't care or is afraid to challenge the local business coffee clatches (and who buy their advertising). I wish there were more blogs like yours Todd that can educate voters on how they are being misled by the Republicans in Washington and in Pierre.