Boehner promises Demmer a spot on the Ag Committee
Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio has promised 1st District Republican candidate Randy Demmer a spot on the House Agriculture Committee if Demmer defeats DFL Rep. Tim Walz. Boehner, who is likely to become Speaker if Republicans take the majority, made the announcement in a news release:
"Randy Demmer has my full support for a seat on the House Agriculture Committee. As a retired farmer, Randy understands the challenges facing farmers, ranchers, and rural communities," said House Republican Leader John Boehner. "He would be a strong advocate for solutions that address the issues facing agriculture communities, and I look forward to working with him, the Republican leadership, and the Members of the Steering Committee to place him on the House Agriculture Committee at the earliest possible opportunity"
The move won't mean a dramatic difference if Demmer defeats Walz since Walz currently sits on the House Ag Committee. The state's clout could diminish over ag policy, however, if the GOP takes control of the House (regardless of what happens in Minnesota's 1st). That's because DFL Rep. Collin Peterson currently chairs the House Ag Committee.
Update: Walz campaign spokeswoman Sara Severs issued this statement:
Farmers have a clear choice in southern Minnesota. They can choose Tim Walz and his hard work on the Agriculture Committee and the 2008 Farm Bill, or they can go with Representative Demmer and John Boehner's failed policies of the past. There's a reason why John Boehner's "Freedom to Farm" legislation is commonly referred to as the Freedom to Fail bill in Minnesota: because of its disastrous effect on Minnesota agriculture.
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