Indiana Farm Bureau is involved in the election process through its two political action committees, AgELECT and ELECT.
The two PACs benefit INFB because the endorsement process enables INFB members to support candidates who support agriculture and Farm Bureau and increase the organization’s political clout.
But they also benefit the candidates, partly due to monetary donations but also because the endorsement process helps candidates learn more about what farmers need from them.
“The endorsement process, and the relationships it fosters, connects candidates to our members,” said Jeff Cummins, INFB director of state government relations.
The two PACs have different purposes:
Both follow the same endorsement and operating procedures, but AgELECT has more fundraising flexibility because unlike ELECT, it can accept donations from both members and non-members as well as corporations.
The support is something that candidates continue to appreciate even after they have been elected, Cummins added.
“As the number of rural legislators continues to decline, INFB members need to make sure their voices are heard, and one of the most effective ways to do that is by supporting AgELECT and ELECT.
Find out more about AgELECT and ELECT and donate by visiting www.infb.org/donate.
“The support from Farm Bureau AgELECT has been a consistent and essential part of my campaign every election. Representing a rural ag district, I am always ready to work with Farm Bureau and its members.”
Rep. J.D. Prescott
Indiana House District 33
“As a lifelong Hoosier, I know firsthand the interconnectedness of agriculture to everything from our state’s economy to our workforce, education, our food supply, and protecting our waterways. I appreciate the financial and educational support I receive from the Farm Bureau AgELECT PAC. I am always ready to work with Farm Bureau members to make sure the decisions we make today lead to a stronger and brighter future for Indiana tomorrow.”
Sen. Andrea Hunley
Indiana Senate District 46
“As a representative of a rural district, having an entity not only support us financially but work with us by engaging in the legislative process while educating us on issues critical to agriculture, is invaluable. We are grateful for those Farm Bureau members who invest in AgELECT PAC.”
Rep. Matt Lehman
Indiana House District 79
“I am a newly elected representative in an urban area; however, so much of Indiana's economy relies on our agricultural sector. Having the support of the AgELECT PAC has been valuable, not just financially, but also by providing me with the resources and expertise I need to understand issues that are important to our rural communities across the state.”
Rep. Julie McGuire
Indiana House District 93