By Marshall Griffin, St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – Roy Blunt has picked up the endorsement of the Missouri Farm Bureau in the race for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Senator Kit Bond.
Blunt received the endorsement shortly after speaking to the Farm Bureau's regional caucuses meeting in Jefferson City. He told the crowd that his Democratic opponent, Robin Carnahan, is too extreme for Missouri.
"As far as I know, she doesn't disagree with Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid or Barack Obama on anything," Blunt said.
Missouri Farm Bureau President Charles Kruse says the event was set up as a candidate forum, and that Carnahan was invited to speak. He also says she declined, but in her response voiced support for Missouri farmers.
According to Carnahan's campaign website, she manages a family farm and cattle operation in Rolla, in addition to serving as Secretary of State.
Carnahan spokesman Linden Zakula issued a written statement, which read, in part: "While Robin supports tax incentives for renewable homegrown energy, Congressman Blunt turned his back on Missouri biofuel producers by opposing the tax credit and costing Missouri jobs."
Blunt expressed support for Missouri's biofuel industry during his Farm Bureau visit, but he said that it should not be tied to the passage of Cap and Trade legislation in Congress.
He says the bill would double fuel prices for Missouri farmers.