Iowa forum returns agriculture to presidential discussion
Source: AP-Excite
By THOMAS BEAUMONT and CATHERINE LUCEY
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — It seems like a no-brainer for prospective presidential candidates: Come to Iowa to talk about agriculture. Thing is, not many of them do anymore and few can boast having dirt under their fingernails.
A Republican donor with both money and influence is forcing the issue. On Saturday, Bruce Rastetter will put nearly a dozen likely candidates for president through their paces on the price of corn, water quality and other concerns rooted in the land.
"There is no industry that touches more Americans every day than agriculture," Rastetter said.
Unlike other "cattle calls" of the 2016 prospects, Saturday's event isn't a series of speeches — it's Rastetter's show. The businessman plans to lead a discussion with each about issues that are dear to Iowa farmers but affect everyone. They also happen to be topics that have faded from campaign talking points in Iowa over several elections.
FULL story at link.
FILE - This Aug. 5, 2014, file photo shows corn plants in a field near Ladora, Iowa. It seems like a no-brainer for prospective presidential candidates: Come to Iowa to talk about agriculture. But not many of them do anymore. So a Republican donor with money and influence, Bruce Rastetter, is forcing the issue. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150307/us--gop_2016-iowa_agriculture-6c3a6a9cd8.html
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