IFB Ag Leg Roundtable Candidates Forum

(Bloomington, IL) -- Four statewide candidates gathered with farmers as well as those representing the agriculture industry near Bloomington on Wednesday. Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Jim Oberweis, Democratic incumbent Dick Durbin as well as Republican candidate for Governor, Bruce Rauner and incumbent Governor, Democrat Pat Quinn spoke at the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable's Candidate Forum. Jim Oberweis was first to speak to those attending. Oberweis told those attending that although he didn't think the 2014 Farm Bill passed by congress was perfect but he still would have voted for it. Republican candidate for Governor Bruce Rauner spoke next. Rauner said that if elected he will not accept a salary as governor. U.S. Senator Dick Durban was the next candidate to speak to the farmers attending. Durbin said that having a public-private investment to help fund the repairs of the lockes and dams on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Governor Pat Quinn spoke last. The governor told farmers that investing in ethanol and renewable fuels was vital and that its a valuable export for the state. Rich Guebert, the President of the Illinois Farm Bureau and a farmer in Randolph County located in the southwest part of Illinois was the emcee of the forum. Guebert said that it was important for farmers to listen to the candidates but it was equally as important for the candidates to listen to the farmers at Wednesday's forum. Guebert added that some of the questions asked by the farmers put the candidates on the spot. The forum took place at the Tim Bitner farm located just east of Bloomington.