Rodney Davis toured the 13th district Wednesday, using a major agricultural endorsement from ACTIVATOR, the political action committee of the Illinois Farm Bureau, to promote how he'd help area farmers. He says Congress needs to get going on 2012 Farm Bill discussions including possible expansions of federal crop insurance.
"The Farm Bill has to include a strong and even strengthened crop insurance program," he says. "We have to ensure risk management is a key to any comprehensive Farm Bill that is passed."
The Republican, who's running to replace outgoing Congressman Tim Johnson in the 13th district, says the federal government spends too much -- but he's not against all government spending.
"I'm not a guy who's going to go to Washington and look to make cuts across the board. There are things the government does that the government should spend money on," he says. "We're talking roads, bridges, ensuring strengthened risk management in a comprehensive farm bill, clean water."
Davis also says the government should foster an environment of fiscal stability for business owners -- so they'll be able to make decisions about hiring well in advance.