Atlantic farmer joins ag race

Published: 11/16/2005 1:49 PM
By: Mike Glover - LaSalle NewsTribune

http://www.gazetteonline.com/2005/11/16/Home/agsecy.htm

DES MOINES, IA - Atlantic farmer and veteran activist Denise O'Brien formally announced her campaign for the Democratic nomination for secretary of agriculture on Wednesday, saying that as ag secretary she would focus on water quality and other environmental issues.

''This is not about my political ambitions,'' O'Brien said. ''It is about bringing these issues front and center.''

O'Brien is executive director of the Women, Food and Agriculture Network, a nonprofit advocacy group she formed in 1994. Along with her husband, Larry, she's farmed near Atlantic for 30 years.

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Saw her in Fayette a little while back, but didn't get to hear her speak. Will be interested in hearing more about her during the race.

(However, my heart is pretty much with Terry, only cuz I've known him forever).

Clive City Councilman Dan Clute has thrown his hat in the ring as a Republican candidate next fall for the Iowa House of Representatives. Does anyone know whose running against him or if we have an incumbant?

Elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2002. She is not running for re-election as she is running for Governor.

There are currently two Democrats running for the nomination - Dusky Terry and Denise O'Brien.

I beleive there are three republicans running: Kerry Claghorn, Mark Leonard and Bill Northey. So Mr. Clute would make it four.

Anyone else?