Missouri Farm Bureau PAC

Missouri Farm Bureau’s Political Action Committee (PAC) allows Farm Bureau members a more direct and effective voice in the political arena. Each county Farm Bureau appoints a trustee to the PAC. These trustees are grouped into geographic regions to allow members to use their direct local knowledge when considering endorsements in each race.

Endorsements

Historically, MOFB’s PAC has considered endorsements in U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Governor, and Missouri Senate races. Endorsements are usually considered following the primary election. The PAC also allows an incumbent candidate for Missouri Governor, Missouri State Senate, U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives to request an endorsement prior to the primary election.

In election years, members of the regional endorsement committees meet to interview political candidates and discuss issues prior to election. Candidates complete a thorough written questionnaire and trustees review each candidate’s past experience or voting record. The MOFB PAC operates on a bipartisan basis, supporting those candidates who will best represent Farm Bureau policy regardless of party.

At the endorsement interview session, each candidate is asked to make a presentation and then respond to questions posed by MOFB PAC trustees. Trustees vote by written ballot, and have historically required a two-thirds vote for endorsement.

Since being organized in 1976, nearly 88 percent of MOFB PAC endorsed candidates have won election.

2018 Election Endorsed Candidates

  • U.S. Senate Race: Josh Hawley
  • Missouri Senate:
    • District 2: Dr. Bob Onder
    • District 6: Mike Bernskoetter
    • District 10: Jeanie Riddle
    • District 12: Dan Hegeman
    • District 16: Justin Brown
    • District 18: Cindy O’Laughlin
    • District 20: Eric Burlison
    • District 28: Sandy Crawford
    • District 30: Lincoln Hough
    • District 34: Tony Luetkemeyer
  • U.S. House:
    • District 2: Ann Wagner
    • District 3: Blaine Luetkemeyer
    • District 4: Vicky Hartlzer
    • District 6: Sam Graves
    • District 7: Billy Long
    • District 8: Jason Smith

 

2016 Election Endorsed Candidates

  • U.S. Senate Race: Roy Blunt
  • Governor: Chris Koster
  • Attorney General: Josh Hawley
  • Missouri Senate:
    • District 3: Gary Romine
    • District 21: Denny Hoskins
    • District 23: Bill Eigel
    • District 25: Doug Libla
    • District 27: Wayne Wallingford
    • District 29: David Sater
    • District 33: Mike Cunningham
  • U.S. House:
    • District 2: Ann Wagner
    • District 3: Blaine Luetkemeyer
    • District 4: Vicky Hartlzer
    • District 6: Sam Graves
    • District 7: Billy Long
    • District 8: Jason Smith

Contributions

The MOFB PAC trustees set a minimum contribution for endorsed candidate that varies by office.  Any additional contributions for endorsed candidates are determined by trustees on a case-by-case basis. PAC funds also assist county Farm Bureaus with political action and education activities at the local level such as Meet the Candidate Forums and Legislative Appreciation events.
Membership dollars are not used to support candidates or political activities.  MOFB PAC funds are generated from voluntary Farm Bureau member contributions.

Friend of Agriculture Award

While MOFB’s PAC does not endorse or contribute funds to candidates in State House of Representatives races, Missouri Farm Bureau does recognize House members with a proven record of support for agriculture and rural Missouri through the Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award.
 
Friend of Agriculture Awards are considered based on three criteria:
  1. Evaluation by county Farm Bureau leaders in each legislative district to determine the working relationship between the legislator and the county Farm Bureau
  2. Evaluation completed by Farm Bureau staff to identify the leadership role taken by the legislator on agricultural and other issues
  3. Voting record on issues supported or opposed by Missouri Farm Bureau