Indiana Farm Bureau ELECT Endorses Primary Candidates

Indiana Farm Bureau ELECT, the political action committee of Indiana Farm Bureau, has endorsed Rep. Susan Brooks in the primary race for Indiana’s 5^th Congressional District. The 5^th District encompasses all or part of Blackford, Boone, Grant, Hamilton, Howard, Madison, Marion and Tipton counties. Because Indiana Farm Bureau’s PAC is grassroots-driven, it is more complicated than most. With the ELECT endorsement, candidates have made it through the multi-step process to gain the organization’s support.

According to Megan Ritter, IFB director of public policy, the primary endorsement of Susan Brooks by IFB ELECT is recognition of her support of policy priorities for agriculture, farm families and rural Indiana. “Agriculture is an important economic driver in the 5th Congressional District,” said Ritter.  “Congresswoman Brooks understands the need to enact policies that will enhance and ensure agriculture’s future success.” Brooks, a Republican, was first elected to Congress in 2012. Prior to that’s she served as senior vice president and general counsel for Ivy Tech Community College.

The IFB PAC also endorsed Rep. Larry Bucshon in the primary race for Indiana’s 8^th Congressional District. The 8^th District encompasses all or parts of Clay, Daviess, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Pike, Posey, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, Warrick, Crawford, Dubois, Perry and Spencer counties. According to Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock, the primary endorsement of Larry Bucshon by IFB ELECT is recognition of his support of policy priorities for agriculture, farm families and rural Indiana. “I am proud of the work Congressman Bucshon has done on behalf of the farmers and rural families of the 8^th Congressional District.  Agriculture is an important economic driver in the 8^th Congressional District,” said Villwock.  “Congressman Bucshon understands the need to support agriculture and rural communities for the success of the entire district.” Bucshon, a Republican, was first elected to Congress in 2011. Prior to that he was a practicing physician, specializing in cardiothoracic surgery.

Also receiving IFB PAC support was Rep. Todd Young in the primary race for

Indiana’s 9^th Congressional District. The 9^th District encompasses all or parts of Johnson, Morgan, Monroe, Brown, Jackson, Scott, Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Crawford, Orange and Lawrence counties. According to Ritter, the primary endorsement of Todd Young by IFB ELECT is recognition of his support of policy priorities for agriculture, farm families and rural Indiana.   “Agriculture is an important economic driver in the 9^th Congressional District,” said Ritter.  “Congressman Young understands agriculture’s role in improving the economy, creating jobs and producing a safe, diverse and affordable food supply.” Young, a Republican, was first elected to Congress in 2011. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and practiced law in Orange County.