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Weaver touts industrial hemp as water conservation measure

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 22nd, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Kim Weaver, the Democratic candidate in Iowa’s fourth congressional district, says voters shouldn’t believe her opponent, Republican Congressman Steve King, when he says he’d be able to work with Hillary Clinton if she’s elected president. “He’s the least effective member of congress, so he can’t even work with fellow Republicans,” Weaver says. “How’s he going to work with Hillary?”

Weaver made her comments during a speech this weekend on The Des Moines Register’s Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair. Weaver called for a higher minimum wage, help for student debt and immigration reform. Weaver also supporting legalizing industrial hemp as a way to improve water quality. “We’re not talking pot. We’re not talking marijuana. We’re talking industrial hemp,” Weaver said. “Industrial hemp can be planted in marshy areas. It’s very good at mitigating nitrates as well as because of the way the root system it helps avoid soil erosion.”

Weaver says she’s ready to debate King this fall. King is seeking an eighth term in congress and he has not always agreed to debate his Democratic opponents.

(Radio Iowa)