Farmer Leaders Endorse
Barack Obama for President
September 18, 2008
Dear Senator Obama,
We are writing to endorse your candidacy for President of the United
States. As present and past agriculture leaders, farmers, ranchers, and
rural advocates we understand the importance of electing a President
who supports and understands the challenges we face in rural America.
Your record in the US Senate on rural issues has been outstanding. You
have stood shoulder to shoulder with farmers and rural America on
numerous issues. We appreciate your support of rural America in the
past, and believe your vision for rural America is something that is
desperately needed in the White House in the future.
Never before have the two nominees for President offered a clearer
choice of who is friendly to rural America, and who is not. Your
support for important policies for rural communities and farmers such
as the farm bill, renewable energy, fair trade, Country of Origin
labeling, and improving rural infrastructure and rural health stands in
stark contrast to your opponent's record. Senator McCain has voted time
and again against rural America as he opposed the farm bill, advocated
for suspending the Renewable Fuels Standard, and voted against
agricultural appropriations and disaster aid. Where you stand in
support of farmers and the fundamental importance of a safety net that
protects against weather events and market disruptions, your opponent
has actively criticized these vital risk management tools.
Just this year we witnessed how difficult it is to pass important farm
policy when the President of the United States is opposed to the
majority in the country and in Congress. It took a long time, several
votes, and even two veto overrides to enact the new farm bill. While we
prevailed with your help and overwhelming bipartisan support in both
the House and Senate, your opponent publicly announced his opposition
and the fact he would veto the farm bill if he were President. We do
not need more of same!
America's farmers and ranchers provide the safest, most abundant and
affordable food in the world. Increasingly, we are helping fuel our
nation too, reducing our reliance on foreign oil. Agriculture is one of
the central pillars of our nation’s strength; our national security
depends on food security. But America and rural America is at a
crossroads. We need a President who understands rural America, a
President who will stands up for rural America, and a President who is
willing to provide the leadership to ensure rural America's challenges
are addressed. We are confident that you are that person.
Tom Buis, Indiana/Washington, DC
Claudia Svarstad, Colorado
Dave Frederickson, Minnesota
Leland Swenson, Colorado
Cy Carpenter, Minnesota
Alan Bergman, North Dakota
Bryan Sharp, Illinois
Gordon Stine, Illinois
Arthur and Jan Douglas, Utah
Doug Peterson, Minnesota
Chris Petersen, Iowa
Donn Teske, Kansas
Doug Sombke, South Dakota
Jim Benham, Indiana
Jim Davis, Washington
Joaquin Contente, California
John Hansen, Nebraska
Kent Peppler, Colorado
Larry Breech, Pennsylvania
Marilyn Momber, Michigan
Rob Wells, Alaska
Roger Wise, Ohio
Russ Kremer, Missouri
Sue Beitlich, Wisconsin
Wes Sims, Texas
Dave Velde, Minnesota
Dennis Rosen, Wisconsin
Joe Augusto, California