National Farmers Union Recognizes Outstanding Government Leadership

Contact: Emily Eisenberg, 202-314-3104
Contact: Liz Friedlander, 202-314-3191

WASHINGTON - National Farmers Union is presenting its highest award for government service, the Golden Triangle Award, to 38 members of the U.S. House and Senate who have demonstrated outstanding leadership on issues affecting family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

"Golden Triangle honorees stand out for their deep commitment to improving the quality of life for farmers, ranchers and rural communities," NFU President Tom Buis said. "These lawmakers are true leaders on a broad scope of issues that impact rural America. They have been key allies and advocates in the effort to help sustain America's farms and ranches in tough times, as well as on a wealth of other legislation. We thank them for their exemplary leadership."

Recipients this year were chosen for their leadership on a variety of issues, not limited to but including; support for emergency disaster assistance for producers that have suffered from devastating weather circumstances, the promotion and production of fuels from the farm, and need to develop fair agriculture trade agreements.

The Golden Triangle Award is based on NFU's symbol - a triangle with "legislation" and "cooperation" forming the sides and "education" the base. The Golden Triangle Awards are presented annually and were established in 1988. NFU's board of directors will present honorees with their awards at a special Capitol Hill event this evening. The following lawmakers have been named 2006 recipients of the Golden Triangle Award (alphabetical by state):

• Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Ala.
• Rep. Marion Berry, D-Ark.
• Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
• Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo.
• Rep. John T. Salazar, D-Colo.
• Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.
• Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa
• Rep. Leonard L. Boswell, D-Iowa
• Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa
• Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.
• Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill.
• Sen. Richard G. Lugar, R-Ind.
• Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.
• Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.
• Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-La.
• Sen. Debbie A. Stabenow, D-Mich.
• Sen. Mark Dayton, D-Minn.
• Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn.
• Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D.
• Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, D-N.D.
• Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D.
• Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb.
• Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb.
• Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio
• Rep. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio
• Rep. Ted Strickland,  D-Ohio
• Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio
• Rep. Frank D. Lucas, R-Okla.
• Sen. Senator Tim Johnson, D-S.D.
• Rep. Stephanie Herseth, D-S.D.
• Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va.
• Sen. Herbert H. Kohl, D-Wis.
• Rep. David R. Obey, D-Wis.
• Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis.
• Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va.
• Sen. Michael B. Enzi, R-Wyo.
• Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo.
• Rep. Barbara Cubin, R-Wyo.

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