Indiana LG candidates to participate in agriculture-centered debate at state fair

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s three lieutenant governor candidates will meet at the Indiana State Fair on Tuesday for the race’s first debate before November’s general election.

According to the AgriInstitute website, Terry Goodin, the Democratic lieutenant governor candidate, Tonya Hudson, the Libertarian lieutenant governor candidate, and Micah Beckwith, the Republican lieutenant governor candidate, will meet for an agriculture-centered debate.

Moderated by Inside INdiana Business host Gerry Dick, the debate will be at 3 p.m. on Tuesday in the Purdue Extension Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, located at 1202 E. 38th St. Doors will open for the debate at 2:30 p.m. and entry for the event is free with a state fair ticket purchase.

This comes as Indiana voters will decide on the state’s new governor. U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) is running as the Republican candidate, Jennifer McCormick is running as the Democratic candidate and Donald Rainwater is running as the Libertarian candidate.

The lieutenant governor debate will give the public the chance to hear from the three lieutenant governor candidates on agriculture and rural issues, according to the AgriInstitute website, the group who is hosting the debate. The candidates are also expected to speak on how agriculture and rural issues impact the state’s economy.

Indiana’s lieutenant governor also heads the state’s Agricultural Commission and chairs the offices of Community and Rural Affairs, Energy and Defense Development, Tourism Development and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.

Beckwith has taken to social media to advocate for lawmakers in Washington D.C. to develop a new farm bill, stressing that it needs to help Indiana’s pressing needs for the agriculture industry as well as rural communities.

“With 2023 seeing the expiration of existing programs, this new legislation is crucial to supporting farmers, advancing sustainability, and ensuring food security for all,” Beckwith said in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “Our farmers are the backbone of our nation, and they need our support now more than ever. Let’s advocate for a Farm Bill that promotes innovation, conservation, and economic opportunities for rural America. Together, we can build a future where our agricultural sector thrives and our communities prosper.”

Because one of the lieutenant governor’s roles is overseeing the state’s agriculture sector, Goodin said that it is appropriate for the debate to take place at the state fair.

“I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the McCormick-Goodin common sense vision for the future of Indiana, with a particular focus on issues relevant to agriculture, rural affairs, and community development,” Goodin said in a news release from the McCormick/Goodin campaign regarding the debate.

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