INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Farm Bureau endorsed U.S. Senator Dick Lugar's reelection effort on Friday, December 10, 2005. This is the first political endorsement Lugar has received this cycle, with the 2006 election 47 weeks away. The Farm Bureau, a key voice for Indiana's agricultural interests, voted on the endorsement at their annual convention.

"I am grateful to the members of the Indiana Farm Bureau for their public support of my reelection to the United States Senate," said Lugar. "As a Hoosier farmer, with 604 acres in Decatur Township in Marion County, I am well acquainted with the importance of the Farm Bureau. I appreciate its ongoing interest in my public service and for giving my reelection campaign this significant boost."

Lugar is running for reelection to his sixth term in the Senate. He formally announced his reelection effort in Lawrence County, Indiana, in April of this year.

"Farm Bureau is extremely pleased and proud to endorse Senator Richard Lugar for his reelection campaign," said Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock. "Farm Bureau has a long, successful partnership with Senator Lugar and his recent efforts to expand the bio-fuels industry make this endorsement appropriate. Farm Bureau believes, as does Senator Lugar, that bio-fuels offer great opportunities for increasing net income for Indiana producers. We feel his leadership in the Senate will be key to moving this agenda forward."

The Indiana Farm Bureau is the first formal endorsement Lugar has received during the 2006 campaign. The group has consistently endorsed his reelection efforts.

Lugar is a former chairman and current member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee. He is currently chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Lugar reported more than $3.3 million cash on hand at the end of the third quarter (September 30, 2005). His next campaign finance report will be for the period ending December 31, 2005.

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