Over the course of two jam-packed days at SAF's Congressional Action Days, held Feb. 25-26, SAF members, speakers and politicians said many intelligent, helpful, profound and even surprising things. Here are just some of the notable things "overheard" during the two-day event:

Members Speak to the Issues on Capitol Hill

E-Brief editors tagged along with a delegation of Californians on their visits to Capitol Hill. Here are some soundbites from the day:

"Instead of being reactive, we're asking you to be proactive." - Bruce Brady, representing The Sun Valley Group, Inc., from Arcata, Calif., said to legislative assistant, Lacey Kiriakou from Rep. George P. Radanovich's (R-19-Calif.) office, about USDA funding. 

"It is a huge issue for us because as small businesses, the next generation cannot afford to inherit the business." - Michelle Castellano, representing Mellano & Company from San Luis Rey, Calif., said as she addressed the perils of the estate tax during a meeting with senior legislative assistant, Jenny Sarabia, from the office of Rep. Joe Baca (D-43-Calif.).

On the Importance of Congressional Action Days

Attending Congressional Action Days is beneficial for SAF members, and "it lets those guys [in Congress] know that we're out here working for our business, and it reminds them that it's small businesses that keep this country moving. They seem to be amicable to hearing that." - according to David Boulton, AAF, of Flowers By George, Inc. in Arlington, Wash.

On why grassroots lobbying is important

"We represent about 15 percent of total U.S. crop agriculture, but we don't get our share of research." - said Lin Schmale, senior director of government relations on why it's so important SAF members ask for additional floriculture and nursery research on the Hill.

"You are the most powerful lobbyist that can come and lobby for your cause." - professional trainer Brad Fitch said during "Lobbying Tips, Training and Practice: Tactics for an Election Year."

On the presidential frontrunners

Chris Wallace, host of FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace talked at the Kick Off Breakfast about the presidential race, the current political climate in Washington, D.C., and the media's role in covering it all. Some highlights:

Sen. John McCain is "also different than any other Republican nominee we've ever seen ... Imagine a Republican nominee who's for regulation of greenhouse gases, who opposes drilling for oil in the Arctic, who supports stem cell research and has fought for years to limit the influence of money in politics."

"After all of his years going up against the Washington establishment, McCain will be able to say he was fighting for change before change was cool."
 
"... if both [Sen. Barack] Obama and [Sen.] Hillary [Rodham Clinton] stay in the race, it will come down to superdelegates. The Obama camp ... said the superdelegates must ratify the will of the voters and go for whichever candidate is leading in delegates and popular votes, which they believe will be Obama. The Clinton camp ... is saying the superdelegates should vote for her even if she's trailing in delegates and popular votes because she would be the strongest Democratic nominee ... If Clinton stays in the race all the way to the end, this has the possibility of tearing apart the Democratic Party."

Obama "has struck a chord with the American electorate unlike anything since Bobby Kennedy back in 1968. Some of those political insiders [question] how he would change the way business is done in Washington. But the voters get it when Obama says he's tired of the games being played in Washington, voters are too."

On SAF and its Issues

"In N.Y., there've been estimates that we could lose 1,000 of our farms due to the immigration issue." - Rep. Jim Walsh (R-25-N.Y.), told attendees at the Grassroots Breakfast referring to problems caused by immediately kicking undocumented agricultural workers out of the country. He also said, "I very much appreciate the relationship I've had with the floral and nursery industry over the years."

"I can't tell you how much we thank you for your interest and leadership. It's not an easy issue, it's very emotional, but your industry has been at the forefront." - Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez said in recognizing SAF's leadership on immigration reform, specifically citing SAF's role in lobbying for swift enactment of AgJOBS.

On the Media

"Over the years, the media has gotten a bit too self-righteous. We're busy criticizing presidents and popes but feel that we're above criticism ... I feel proud and privileged to be a reporter. It's been a ticket for me to be an eyewitness to history ... Someone is always going to be mad at us and sometimes we will make mistakes, but the Founding Fathers knew what they were doing when they put freedom of the press in the Constitution. Our job is to live up to that responsibility." - Wallace said during the Kick Off Breakfast.

On the Power of Flowers

"I want to tell you that you guys with your flowers have gotten me out of a lot of trouble in my marriage. It really is the gift that keeps on giving." - said Wallace during the Kick Off Breakfast.

--The Editors
kpenn@safnow.org

 

Previous Article    Next Article