WEST FARGO -- Although the two leading candidates for North Dakota's open U.S. Senate seat differ on many issues, they seem to mostly agree when it comes to agriculture policy.
Republican Gov. John Hoeven and Democratic-NPL Senate candidate Tracy Potter have both spent much of their lives in the state's urban areas, but the two candidates said they understand how vital agriculture is to North Dakota. They both vowed to fight for strong farm and energy legislation, if elected in November.
The pair spoke separately during a candidate forum held Wednesday at the Big Iron Farm Show in West Fargo.
Both candidates said they support improving crop insurance programs, restoring and maintaining biodiesel and ethanol incentives and investing in alternative energy technology that would boost North Dakota businesses.
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Hoeven and Potter also both favor farm aid programs that are based more on a counter-cyclical nature rather than direct payment to farmers.
"Counter-cyclical just makes sense," Potter said. "When times are tough, you can get aid, but when times are not tough, it's not necessary."
Hoeven said the counter-cyclical approach is more cost effective than direct payments. The current farm bill includes a mix of both approaches.
"We can work with that in terms of how we address that mix," Hoeven said. "But the key is we've got to have a good farm program there that works for people who are actively engaged in the practice of farming."
Because Hoeven's and Potter's appearances were separate, the candidates couldn't interact with one another when responding to questions posed by broadcasters from the Red River Valley Farm Network, which sponsored the forum. About three dozen people attended.
Varying approaches
Each candidate was allotted about 20 to 25 minutes to answer questions and comment about why they're seeking the office.
Potter's statements emphasized his plans, sometimes specific, about what he'd focus on if elected and how he differs from Hoeven.
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Meanwhile, Hoeven's statements mostly focused on his 10 years of experience as governor and the general ideology that he'd like to take to Washington, if elected. Hoeven did not comment on or make reference to Potter.
Organizers said Potter had wanted the forum to be an official debate, but Hoeven didn't agree to it.
The candidates have two official debates planned for Sept. 23 and Oct. 1, both in Fargo. No others have been arranged because of Hoeven's restriction that he won't accept invitations from private media companies so as not to favor one over another.
Libertarian Keith Hanson of West Fargo is also seeking the Senate seat but did not participate in Wednesday's candidate forum at Big Iron.
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead and the Herald are Forum Communications Co. newspapers.
