Heitkamp Announces Robert Carlson as new Senior Advisor for Agricultural Policy
Mandan, N.D. — Former North Dakota attorney general and current U.S. Senate Candidate Heidi Heitkamp, today announced that Robert Carlson had agreed to join her campaign and has been named Senior Advisor for Agricultural Policy.
“It’s easy to see now as the House delays on the Farm Bill how important it is that our elected officials are willing to put politics aside and stand up for North Dakota’s priorities,” said Carlson. “Heidi will always stand up for our farmers and ranchers, not try to score political points.”
Said Heitkamp: “I’ve known Robert a long time, and he brings with him decades of experience in the agricultural community, and a depth and breadth of knowledge on agricultural issues that is second to none. I couldn’t be happier to have Robert’s advice and counsel on all issues related to agriculture and trade, especially as Congress struggles to get a Farm Bill passed.”
Robert Carlson was elected in 2011 as the first president of the World Farmers Organisation (WFO), headquartered in Rome, Italy. The WFO represents farm organisations from 48 different countries, accounting for more than 100 million farmers worldwide. Prior to the WFO, Robert served as president of North Dakota Farmers Union from 1997 – 2011, and also served as president of Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Company and Farmers Union Service Association until December 2011.
In the national arena, Carlson serves as Director for International Relations for NFU and has participated in World Trade Organization talks in Japan, Switzerland and Mexico. Additionally, he has represented family farm interests at world food summits and at international agricultural conferences.
Carlson earned a master’s degree in history from the University of North Dakota, holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Minot State University, and is a Vietnam veteran. He and his wife Sue reside in Jamestown, ND.
About Heidi:
Today, as a director of the Dakota Gasification synfuels plant, she’s a champion for North Dakota’s energy industry. Heidi believes we need to use all of North Dakota’s rich energy resources wisely, creating and keeping high-paying jobs right here. Heidi says it’s time to put country first, put politics aside and work together to cut government spending, balance the budget, create jobs and get our economy back on track—while protecting North Dakotans.
Heidi lives in Mandan with her husband, Dr. Darwin Lange, a family practitioner. They have two grown children, Ali and Nathan.
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