Candidates from four Minnesota congressional districts, including the Seventh District, faced off at Farmfest.Incumbent Michelle Fischbach was asked about the regulatory environment for farmers and said it was out of control. The Republican has introduced a bill to deal with this issue. “We don’t need to make farmers continue to address these regulations, report and you shouldn’t need to hire someone just to handle reporting requirements; it is something we absolutely must address,” said Fischbach.The DFL-endorsed candidate Jill Abahsain said there are very few truly rural representatives in Congress. “Because of that, we have suffered,” said Abahsain. “Rural Minnesota has a ten percent higher mortality rate and die sooner than our urban counterparts because we don’t have medical access like the Twin Cities.” Bull Johnson is on the ballot representing the Legalize Marijuana Now Party. Regarding crop insurance, said Johnson doesn’t see a need for change. “I had a nice conversation with (former Congressman) Collin Peterson this week who is advising me on farm bill issues.” Johnson said Peterson’s advice was to leave the farm bill alone because it is working well. Questions for the candidate panel came from farm leaders and ag media.
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