An ag leader says it would be ideal to have a farmer or someone with a farm background running for lieutenant governor since that person becomes the secretary of agriculture and rural development by virtue of the office. Since that’s not likely to happen given the disparity between the number of farmers and nonfarmers in Indiana, the next best thing is to have someone who is willing to listen and learn about ag issues.
Both current candidates seem to satisfy that requirement. Neither has a farm background, but both have a track record of listening to ideas and weighing their merit.
SUZANNE CROUCH
Here is a closer look at the backgrounds of the lieutenant governor candidates. This information is largely based on bio details provided by the candidates to the Indiana AgriInstitute in preparation for the recent debate held by that group.
Republican candidate: Suzanne Crouch
Hometown: Evansville
Family: husband, Larry Downs, and grown daughter, Courtney
Education: graduated from Purdue University
Early career: active in local politics and served in offices in Vanderburgh County
Legislative experience: state representative; vice chairwoman of the House Ways and Means Committee; helped develop a balanced budget and helped craft the largest state tax cut in Indiana's history
Current career: Indiana state auditor (elected position) — her office accounts for the state's $31 billion biennium budget
Democratic candidate: Christina Hale
Hometown: Michigan City
Family: lives in Indianapolis with husband and son
Education: graduated from Purdue University
Early career: reporter for the LaPorte Herald Argus; then studied abroad for a year as a Rotary Ambassador
CHRISTINA HALE
Government experience: various roles in the Indiana Department of Commerce and Indiana Professional Standards Board
Mid-career: appointed by Gov. Frank O’Bannon to oversee state’s boards and commissions; in 2004, became chief communication officer for Kiwanis International, headquartered in Indianapolis, and oversaw offices and budgets on multiple continents in multiple currencies
Legislative experience: elected to the Indiana House in 2012; serves on Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee; is ranking Democrat on Insurance, and Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications committees
Current career: involved in a variety of activities outside the Legislature, including Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs and Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault
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