Published
3 years agoon
Fresno Democrat Jim Costa is shoring up his support to become the next chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.
More than 70 farm industry organizations sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) supporting Costa for the chairmanship in the 117th Congress that convenes in January.
Costa and Georgia Democrat David Scott have publicly announced their intentions to replace Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota), who lost his reelection bid this year.
“As a 16-year veteran of Congress and third-generation farmer, we believe that Congressman Costa possesses the experience and leadership adeptness needed to carry the Committee and its important work forward,” the letter to Pelosi said.
Both Costa and Scott won their ninth and 10th terms respectively. They are also both longtime members of the House Agriculture Committee.
Among the signatories of Costa’s support letter include the California Farm Bureau Federation, and groups representing some of the state and Central Valley’s top crops including grapes, nuts and dairy.
“As a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Costa has consistently shown his ability to work across the aisle while demonstrating a common-sense and pragmatic approach in dealing with a wide array of agricultural issues,” Elaine Trevino, president of the Almond Alliance of California, said in an email news release about the letter.
Outgoing chairman Peterson is supporting Scott, according to Missouri radio station KFEQ.
Roll Call reports the leadership election is scheduled for the week of Nov. 30.
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email
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