Rep. Collin Peterson wants to overhaul USDA

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota says if he retains his position as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee next year, he wants to focus on streamlining the mammoth U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Peterson, a DFLer who represents northwestern Minnesota's 7th Congressional District, is being challenged by Republican Glen Menze, an accountant and former farmer from Starbuck, Minn. Menze previously challenged Peterson in 2000.

Peterson has spent most of the last year and a half sheparding a new farm bill through Congress and past a presidential veto.

MPR's Tom Crann talked to Peterson about the issues at the USDA.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 07/08/2008, 5:50 p.m.