In Peterson: Ag's plate is crowded, Prairie Business News' Jonathan Knutson reports:
Peterson is garnering national attention for his support of Bernie Sanders, but thinks Donald Trump would be a better president, at least for agricultural interests, than Ted Cruz. . . .
"I'd be more comfortable with him (Trump) than Cruz," said Peterson, the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. Peterson spoke Tuesday on Capitol Hill with members of North American Agricultural Journalists during the group's annual convention. . . .
Peterson, generally considered a moderate Democrat, has surprised many political observers with his support of Sanders, the Democratic presidential candidate known for his liberal positions. But Peterson said Democrats in his staunchly Republican district support Sanders, and he feels obligated to do the same.
"I'm getting letters from all over the United States, praising me," Peterson said.
He said he agrees with Sanders on some, but not all, issues. "I don't agree with anyone all the time," he said.
Hillary Clinton, who's also seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, has some understanding of agriculture, reflecting her background in Arkansas, Peterson said.
Trump is "a big-picture guy" who "would hire good people," Peterson said.
In contrast, Cruz, the Texas Republican senator who's running against Trump, is a vocal critic of federal farm programs that U.S. farmers need, Peterson said.
Minnesota Republicans selected Marco Rubio at their precinct caucuses.
In January, we reported in Collin Peterson compares self to Donald & Bernie; GOP candidate files, food fight forecast:
In the Bemidji Pioneer, Kyle Farris reports in Rep. Collin Peterson visits Bemidji:
Peterson said our elections are poisoned by money and special interests. Campaigns should be two months, he said, and publically funded.
He said Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders are a little like him, because they speak their minds.
"I tell the truth," he said. "whether or not people want to hear it."
That's not exactly feeling the Bern, but one can't fault Peterson for speaking his mind.
Photo: Congressman Collin Peterson, still a-picking and a-grinning. Bluestem Prairie's World Headquarters is located inside Peterson's district.
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