By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – The two candidates for Illinois U.S. Senator don’t agree on everything, but they do agree agriculture is vital to the state and the country.
Incumbent U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) is facing a challenge from U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Chicago). The pair spoke at an agriculture forum on a farm north of Normal Wednesday afternoon, hosted by the Illinois Farm Bureau.
“Agriculture affects everyone in this state. It’s not just a farming issue,” said Duckworth. “It affects Chicago. It affects commerce. It affects food prices.”
Duckworth added she was “proud” to support the most recent Farm Bill.
“It provides essential support for our farmers and it saves taxpayers $23 million,” Duckworth said.
Kirk said he’s in favor of the Trans Pacific Partnership, unlike Duckworth.
“We need to make sure Illinois agriculture has access to those commodities,” Kirk said.
Both candidates agreed on making improvements on the Mississippi River to help Illinois ag. Kirk explained he wants to dredge the river.
“So that we can land bulk commodities, corn and soybean, from the Pacific Rim,” Kirk said.
Kirk is seeking his second term in the U.S. Senate. Duckworth has served two terms in the U.S. House.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
