Before today I had no idea what I was going to write this week. Today, I and other local farmers had a rare opportunity to talk with our 17th District U.S. Congressman. After spending over an hour talking to Congressman Hare I knew what I wanted to write about.

Through my involvement with Illinois Farm Bureau I have had the opportunity to do some unique things. I have traveled to Europe on a market study tour. I have traveled to Washington to lobby members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on issues important to farmers. On one such trip I was able to meet with Senator Obama - he was less famous then. On many occasions I have met with our Illinois representatives and senators both here at home and in Springfield.

What do you think of when you hear the term "special interest group" or "lobbyist"? I would guess the thoughts that come to mind tend to be somewhat negative? At the same time most all of us are members or supporters of some group that has lobbyists working on our behalf. It might be a labor union, the NRA, Illinois Farm Bureau, Pheasants Forever, etc. You might not even think your group falls into the category of "special interest" but you can bet somebody (usually your opposition) does.

In our political system we have many different groups representing many different people, all with different priorities and objectives. We all get frustrated with the system from time to time but it is up to us the voters to elect the best people we can and hold them accountable for the job we expect them to do.

Since Congressman Hare was elected to replace his former boss (Lane Evans) Illinois Farm Bureau has found him to be very open, approachable, accessible and genuinely interested in learning about the issues that are important to farmers in his district. I find his "common man" approach and frankness to be refreshing and a much needed contrast to the status quo in Washington.

To be totally honest with you I did not vote for Mr. Hare. In fact those who know me well know that my political leanings tend to be more to the right. I had a good friend in college who happened to be a staunch Republican. He always said he did not vote for somebody because of their party. He told me, "I vote for the best person. I can't help it if that person is always a Republican." 

Today we spoke candidly with Congressman Hare about the farm bill, trade, immigration, homeland security, locks and dams, renewable fuels, veterans, healthcare, ear marks and other issues. It was a jam-packed session that could have gone on for hours if there would have been time. Congressman Hare (Phil as he said he preferred to be called) had just come from a similar meeting with farmers in Moline.

I found him to be sincere, open, honest and not afraid to speak his mindÉ even if he knew it might be something we didn't want to hear. He actively seeks input from farmers and Illinois Farm Bureau to understand the issues important to agriculture. He is proud of the fact that of all freshmen Congressional Districts his is the second largest when it comes to agricultural production. He is also proud of the fact that his voting record has supported Farm Bureau's positions 91 percent of the time, which is the highest in the state. Congressman Hare is quick to point out he is not a farmer, nor is he an expert in agriculture but he is very willing to consider the ideas and concerns of those who are. It is easy these days to become very cynical about politics. I rather enjoy the political scene but I can certainly understand why people just throw their hands up and don't even participate in the process. As long as Mr. Hare remains in office I hope he is able to keep the perspective he has today. Even if I do not agree with all his views I have to respect the way he is approaching his job and representing his district.