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Presidential hopefuls in Iowa to discuss ag issues

Eleven politicians who say they may compete for the Republican Party’s 2016 presidential nomination will be featured at the first-ever Iowa Agricultural Summit tomorrow (Saturday) in Des Moines.

The event’s host is Bruce Rastetter, CEO of Iowa-based Summit Group. He says the purpose of the summit is to force prospective candidates to spend some time thinking about agriculture.

“I hear a number of them are calling around, asking people for their views, their perspective, getting updates on policies and why they exist,” Rastetter said. “So I think that’s all a good thing and we had hoped they would be more up-to-speed with ag policy with just the idea of this summit.”

A number of current and former governors will participate in Saturday’s event, including Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Mike Huckabee, Rick Perry and Scott Walker. Current U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, and 2012 Iowa Caucus victor Rick Santorum will also participate. Potential Democratic candidates were also invited, but none chose to attend.

Rastetter has been a major contributor to conservative candidates and causes.

Radio Iowa contributed to this story.