Representative James Comer files to run for Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner

Transparency, development of ag business part of Comer’s platform

FRANKFORT, Ky. (November 10, 2010) – Rep. James Comer, R-Tompkinsville (53rd District) today officially filed his paperwork to run for the office of Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner in the 2011 elections.  Comer will run for the office as a Republican. 

“I think Kentucky is on the cusp of becoming a world leader in the agriculture and bio-ag business,” said Comer.  “Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner will help form policies and initiatives to help our farmers and their families thrive in new opportunities offered by an expanded agricultural economy. I believe my background and experience can serve the ag community as their next commissioner.” 

If elected as Kentucky’s next Agriculture Commissioner, Comer pledges to implement the following ideas: 

    * Bring open, transparent government to the Department of Agriculture
    * Create and expand markets for Kentucky’s agricultural products
    * Enhance rural economic development
    * Expand Kentucky’s fledgling bio-fuels industry
    * Add value to Kentucky’s existing farm products and producers
    * Develop support programs to help young farmers succeed
    * Support agriculture development programs for students, including continued support for 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and related programs
    * Preserve and protect agriculture’s 50 percent share of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement
    * Work closely with the University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension Service 

“In talking with farmers, members of the Republican Party, supporters from the tea party movement and others, I have formed this platform because I believe it will help grow and expand our agricultural economy,” Comer added.  “I am humbled by the level of support and encouragement I’ve received thus far in seeking this office, which is why I have made the decision to run for Agriculture Commissioner.” 

Comer is a lifelong native of Kentucky, born and raised in Monroe County.  His roots are based in rural, small town values, which is why he chose to live, work and raise a family in his native county. 

Comer graduated from Monroe County High School in 1990. He served as state president of the Kentucky FFA.  He attended Western Kentucky University, where he graduated with a degree in agriculture and minored in government.  During his time at WKU, Comer received the prestigious Chicago Mercantile Exchange Scholarship, which is given annually to the top four agriculture students in the country. 

After graduation Comer returned to Monroe County to work with his father and his brother to run Comer Land & Cattle Company.  Since that time Comer has founded his own agriculture-based business, James Comer, Jr. Farms, which consists of 950 acres of commercial beef cattle, managed timber and mixed hay.  Comer also founded two other businesses, Comer & Polston Insurance, and CFB Foods, Inc. 

Since 2000, Comer has served in the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing the people of Cumberland, Green, Metcalfe and Monroe in the 53rd District.  Comer has consistently been a conservative voice in the House, and has received numerous endorsements by the National Rifle Association, Kentucky Right to Life, and Gun Owners of America. 

Comer has won numerous awards during his time as a citizen legislator, including the 2002 National Republican Legislator of the Year, 2004 National Federation of Independent Business’ Guardian of Small Business Award, and 2009 Western Kentucky University Alumnus of the Year.  Most recently Comer was named the 2010 winner of the Davy Crockett Award, which was awarded by a delegation of various Kentucky Tea Party organizations located across the commonwealth. 

Comer currently serves on the House Appropriations and Revenue, Agriculture and Small Business, Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight, and Banking and Insurance Committee, of which he is vice-chairman. 

Comer and his wife, Tamara Jo (T.J.), reside in Tompkinsville with their two children, Reagan and Harlan.  They are expecting their third child in April 2011.  They are members of First Baptist Church of Tompkinsville. 

For more information on Comer’s campaign, check out his website at www.jamesrcomer.com and join Comer for Ag Commissioner on Facebook.