|
Billion: McCain is worse than Bush on bio-fuels and farmers |
|
Monday, 05 May 2008 00:00 |
 SIOUX FALLS – A signed statement by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and 21 other Republican U.S. Senators is an attempt to undermine the bio-fuels market in South Dakota and other corn producing states, Jack Billion, S.D. Democratic Party chair said today (May 5).
“This is an attack on our rural economy. It seeks to reverse what little progress has been made while George W. Bush has been president to develop a thriving bio-fuels market,” Billion said. “As far as South Dakota is concerned, McCain has betrayed every farmer who raised corn through the days when all they could get was $1.50 a bushel, which wasn’t that long ago.
“Now that South Dakota farmers are getting a better return, which gets whittled away by severe spikes in gas and diesel costs, John McCain is throwing them under the bus to placate urban voters.”
McCain and 21 other Republican Senators signed a statement blaming higher food prices on corn farmers and bio-fuels development, and asked for the Environmental Protection Agency to remove the nation’s ethanol production mandate. Billion said McCain’s action shows clearly that McCain does not understand agriculture and food pricing.
“John McCain just made the South Dakota farmer the fall guy for the higher cost of food. Truth is farmers only receive a very tiny fraction of the money spent over the counter for food,” Billion said. “If McCain wants scapegoats, what about corporations that process and ship the food? What about the grocery chains that price the food we buy? What about the big oil companies that are driving farmers, ranchers and shippers against the wall with $4 gas and $5 diesel?
“John McCain just lost the election in South Dakota’s corn-producing counties. He’s proven that when it comes to supporting our bio-fuels potential, he is worse than George W. Bush.”
- 30 - |
|
|
General Wesley Clark to headline salute to Senator Tim JohnsonSIOUX FALLS - Former four-star General Wesley Clark, widely considered a strong prospect to run for vice president, will keynote the salute to Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., on Saturday, April 19, as the headliner of McGovern Day 2008 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Democratic Party Chair Jack Billion said.Billion said he expects the event will be the most successful fund raiser in the annual event's history. He said ticket sales to the banquet are strong because Clark is a popular speaker for Democratic audiences."We are very fortunate to feature this former presidential candidate and former Supreme Allied Commander in the Kosovo War in our salute to Senator Johnson's personal and public service accomplishments," Billion said."General Clark is on the short list for consideration as the Democratic Party's nominee for vice president. He is also one of our nation's most inspiring speakers on the major issues. " The evening banquet, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, will also feature presentations by Sen. George McGovern, Sen. Johnson and his son Brendan Johnson and Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. There will also be a video presentation on Sen. Johnson's life in public service.
Two other meal events will be held at McGovern Day. Representative Herseth Sandlin will be the featured speaker at the luncheon program and Sen. Scott Heidepriem, D-Sioux Falls, will be the keynote speaker for the breakfast event, also at the Sioux Falls Convention Center on April 19.
Tickets for all three events are available by contacting the S.D. Democratic Party office in Sioux Falls. Ticket orders can be made by phoning 605-271-5405, and by emailing
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
The daylong event will include a meeting of the SDDP State Central Committee and training seminars for courthouse and legislative candidates, campaign volunteers, and advocate and issue organizations. The breakfast will start at 8:30 a.m., the luncheon will start at 12:30 p.m. and the evening reception and banquet will be at 6 p.m. |
|
|
