In Iowa, Romney backs ethanol subsidies

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Likely GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Friday voiced his support for ethanol subsidies during his first visit of the year to Iowa.

Asked about his position on federal ethanol subsidies following a talk at the Greater Des Moines Partnership's Presidential Forum Speaker Series, Romney said that ethanol is an important part of the nation's energy supply.

“I support the subsidy of ethanol,” said Romney, according to ABC News. “I believe it’s an important part of our energy solution in this country.”

Ethanol subsidies are popular in Iowa, which has a large agricultural industry that produces the corn-based fuel. The issue typically looms large over the state's first-in-the-nation caucuses, and successful presidential candidates have typically supported subsidies.

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Romney's stance puts him at odds with former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty ®, who is looking to cast himself as a Romney alternative.

During an appearance in Des Moines on Monday, when he officially announced his candidacy, Pawlenty made the politically risky move of opposing ethanol subsidies.

“The truth about federal energy subsidies, including federal subsidies for ethanol, is that they have to be phased out,” he said. “We need to do it gradually. We need to do it fairly. But we need to do it.”

But Pawlenty has been framing his campaign around his willingness to go against the status quo.

“Conventional wisdom says you can’t talk about ethanol in Iowa or Social Security in Florida or financial reform on Wall Street,” Pawlenty said. “But someone has to say it. Someone has to finally stand up and level with the American people. Someone has to lead.”

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/gop-presidential-primary/163741-in-iowa-romney-backs-ethanol

[Danno 1,228]

I'm not a Pawlenty fan yet but his stand against these subsidies, (in the Middle of Corn country no less)

moved him up a few notches..... as for Romney.... it's more of the same.

[luckytxn 2,264]

Romney is a RINO and the status quo. Should do him well with the voters.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Corn subsidies....making Americans fat one molecule at a time.....and practically wasting energy given that the ratio for ethanol is a paltry 1.2

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Don't worry, he'll be against these subsidies once the Iowa primary is over.