By Steve White swhite@nebraska.tv
Facebook / Twitter @NTVsSteveWhite
On a farm not far from his own, Travis Rainforth brings his kids to see the woman they hope will be Nebraska's next U.S. Senator.
Travis Rainforth said, "For once maybe we can send somebody other than a lawyer or professional politician for a change."
As a Valentine rancher, State Senator Deb Fischer's campaign has energized farmers.
Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson said, "Really understands ag, understands farming and ranching, spent adult life in ranching and really understands the issues we face."
And now the state's biggest farm group is officially endorsing Fischer.
She said, "Everyone who runs for office would like to have Farm Bureau endorsement. Agriculture is the biggest economic engine in the state of Nebraska."
And that could help the economics of Fischer's campaign.
Nelson said, "Just takes a huge amount of money to be a candidate but we know our members will step up now. They'll have the opportunity to contribute to the campaign and from all indications, this will certainly build momentum for Senator Fischer's campaign."
Democrats call Fischer a "welfare rancher" who has taken federal subsidies but wants to cut aid for families in need.
Farm Bureau members cry foul at that, as they look for one of their own to go to Washington.
With his three kids in tow, Travis Rainforth said, "It gets a lot of farmers and ranchers excited about a real life rancher walking the halls of the Senate."
Fischer said her sons continue to fight the fire near Valentine. Her opponent Bob Kerrey was visiting that area Thursday while Fischer was receiving the political endorsement.
Fischer did say she would be back at home there on Saturday. Farm Bureau's members voted at the county level to support Fischer over Senator Kerrey.
