By Andi Anderson
On Wednesday, the Ohio Farm Bureau announced that its Agriculture for Good Government PAC (AGGPAC) has endorsed Justice Joseph Deters, Judge Dan Hawkins, and Judge Megan Shanahan for election to the Ohio Supreme Court.
These endorsements underscore the importance of judicial decisions in the agricultural sector.
“The advocacy playing field used to be at the Statehouse, but that has shifted in recent years and now the work of Ohio Farm Bureau on behalf of our members needs to be focused at the courthouse as well,” said Bill Patterson, president of the Ohio Farm Bureau. “With so many of our battles happening in the court system, these endorsements are not something we take lightly. We have heard from all three candidates about how they view Ohio’s constitution, and we feel their approach gives farmers the most certainty within the Ohio Supreme Court.”
AGGPAC is a bi-partisan committee of Farm Bureau leaders appointed by the OFBF president. It oversees and directs Farm Bureau’s engagement with farm-friendly candidates to help them win election or re-election to office.
Justice Deters expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m pleased to be recognized as a Friend of Agriculture by the Ohio Farm Bureau. Maintaining judicial restraint by the court helps the agriculture industry prepare for the present and the future. It is a vital attribute that Ohio’s No. 1 industry needs and deserves.”
Judge Hawkins shared his appreciation, “It is a great honor to be recognized in such a way by the leading voice of agriculture in Ohio. Ag impacts every Ohioan, and I know the ag community understands the importance of electing the right justices to our state’s highest court.”
Judge Shanahan remarked, “Running a statewide campaign has given me an opportunity to see all of Ohio, including many of its tremendous farms and farmers. I’ve learned even more about how vital agriculture is to Ohio’s economy and am honored to be recognized by the Ohio Farm Bureau.”
According to Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Adam Sharp, these three races are crucial to the agricultural community in Ohio.
“Now, more than ever, we must be engaged and share just how important the Ohio Supreme Court is to support private property rights and a rational regulatory environment, while maintaining a stable and predictable judicial system,” said Sharp. “These candidates exemplify those qualities and would be welcome additions to the bench.”
The Ohio Farm Bureau’s endorsements reflect the organization’s commitment to ensuring that the interests of the agricultural community are well-represented in the judicial system.
By supporting candidates who understand the complexities of agriculture, the Ohio Farm Bureau aims to create a favorable environment for farmers across the state.
Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau
Categories: Ohio, General