Farm Bureau endorses McKinney

TOPEKA -- Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney announced today that he has received the endorsement of the Kansas Farm Bureau as he seeks a full term as State Treasurer.

"As a lifelong farmer, I understand the challenges facing Kansas agricultural producers and have long supported issues vital to our rural communities," McKinney said. "The Kansas Farm Bureau has long had a reputation of working in a bipartisan manner to promote the interests of farmers, livestock producers, and Kansas' rural communities. I appreciate their support in the upcoming election."

The Kansas Farm Bureau represents grassroots agriculture. Established in 1919, this non-profit advocacy organization supports farm families who earn their living in a changing industry.

"The Kansas Farm Bureau endorsement is a grassroots-driven consensus," said Steve Baccus, an Ottawa County farmer who serves as president of Kansas Farm Bureau. "Our support for Dennis McKinney started with farmers and ranchers in each of the 105 county Farm Bureau organizations."

McKinney took office as Kansas State Treasurer in January 2009 and is seeking election to a full term on the November ballot. Under McKinney's leadership, the State Treasurer's Office has reduced expenses while setting records in returning unclaimed property to rightful owners, increasing participation in the state higher education savings plan and reforming its housing loan program to create jobs around the state. Responding to the state's budget crisis McKinney cut his own salary by four percent while the Treasurers team managed operations to not only absorb budget cuts but return over $65,000 to the State in fiscal year 2010.