Blunt pledges to 'work every day' to better Missouri and its residents

Matt Blunt, Republican candidate for Missouri governor, brought his two-day campaign visit to Peach Orchard Monday, speaking with farmers and others in attendance at the farm shop on the Otto Bean farm. [Click to enlarge]

A gloomy Monday morning with a cold rain greeted Matt Blunt as he brought his two-day statewide campaign tour for governor to the farm shop at the Otto Bean farm in Peach Orchard.

Blunt, now Missouri Secretary of State is the Republican candidate for governor. He spoke to a crowd of farmers, supporters and Republican politicians including U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and state Rep. Rob Mayer, as well as Charles Kruse, Missouri Farm Bureau president and Joe Sorrells, Missouri Soybean Association.

Before Blunt addressed the crowd, Congresswoman JoAnn Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, said voters had a clear choice between Blunt and his opponent, Democrat Claire McCaskill. 'Matt Blunt is the best person to lead Missouri for the next four years as governor,' Emerson declared.

She went on to say agriculture is a most important part of our economy, state and nationally and the Matt Blunt would be a governor who would work to ' the provide economic opportunity for our children to stay in rural America, the heart and soul of America.'

The congresswoman also directed blasts at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the federal Environmental Protection Agency, declaring they 'would like nothing better than to get their hands on your lives.'

She lauded farmers, saying 'There are no better stewards of the land than the people who live off it. They know if you don't take care of it, it won't take care of you.'

Emerson said it is very important to look for new markets for agricultural products. She pointed to Cuba as an example. Since limited trade has been allowed with the island nation, it has purchased $750 million in agricultural commodities, and that 'everything was in cash.'

Charles Kruse, Missouri Farm Bureau president, whose organization has endorsed Blunt said that decision was 'all about issues.'

He said Blunt is a strong supporter of agriculture, 'and is a strong supporter of our Second Amendment rights.'

He also praised Blunt for his support on tort reform, which has become a key issue in Missouri.

The Missouri Soybean Association has also given its endorsement to Blunt. Joe Sorrells, MSA president, said there are two distinct candidates for governor.

Blunt, he said, was born and reared on a family farm and would be a friend to farmers in Jefferson City. "He is the only candidate with a detailed plan to help Missouri farmers and the leadership to make them a reality."

For his part, Blunt promised as governor he will work hard to get common sense legislation passed. "I will work everyday to make a difference for the people in this state."

One of the key planks in his agriculture platform outlined by Blunt is full funding of the Ethanol Producers Program

Blunt said through promotion of alternative energy sources the state could realize jobs and investment.

He told the group he would pattern Missouri's ethanol policy after the successful Minnesota plan which expanded the amount of ethanol in its gasoline supply.

'Ethanol is beneficial ... its a positive step to improve air quality and will spur rural economic growth, creating 10,000 rural jobs."

Blunt said he would seek implementation of the Missouri Rural Economic Stimulus Act. That act provides for creation of renewable fuel production facilities in a municipality of less than 100,000, which costs at least $3 million and would create a minimum of 30 jobs within three years.

He said the state should be innovative in leading the nation.

"We don't need to aspire to mediocrity," he said.