Baker gets National Farmers' Union nod
The National Farmers' Union announced on Tuesday that is endorsing state Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, in her bid against former state Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, for the Ninth Congressional District seat.
"I am honored by the support of so many families that make our country great by their commitment to farming and ranching," Baker said in a release. "As I campaign from Miller County and up through Clark County, I listen to the concerns rural voters are facing. They want a real energy policy that puts families ahead of oil companies. They worry about the cost and access to health care in their communities. And they want a level playing field so that they can work hard and know they will be able to provide for their families. I will be a strong advocate for farmers and ranchers because they are so vital to Missouri's future."
Luetkemeyer, who has a 160-acre cattle farm, got the nod from the Missouri Farm Bureau -- which has more than 106,000 members -- in August, and said he expects future endorsements from other groups.
Luetkemeyer said the NFU, which has about 1,500 members in Missouri and chapters in 32 states, did not interview him before they made their endorsement, and said the organization is "not very large" in Missouri.
"They have no idea what I'm for or against," Luetkemeyer said.
In reference to the endorsement from the Farm Bureau, Luetkemeyer said the organization "went with the best person to discuss ag issues in the district."
"I've been endorsed by the group that knows ag issues," Luetkemeyer said.
