Tight race in Iowa could make ethanol key to undecideds

DES MOINES -- There are many things Bob Bowman will consider when he casts a ballot in this year's presidential race.

The 58-year-old eastern Iowa farmer wants a strong free-trade advocate in the White House. He wants a president who strengthens the financial safety net for farmers. And, like many Iowans, Bowman wants a proven supporter of ethanol.

"Obviously, that's toward the top of the list," says Bowman, who leans Republican but says his vote is "still up for grabs."

Bowman, who farms 2,000 acres, illustrates what agriculture and political experts such as Iowa State University political scientist Steffen Schmidt say is a potential lever to sway on-the-fence voters in Iowa.

Ethanol might have slipped off the national radar, he says, but could grow in importance if the race in Iowa tightens between Republican John McCain and Democratic Barack Obama.

A Sept. 27 Rasmussen Reports poll showed Obama with a 51% to 43% lead over McCain in Iowa. The state has been almost equally divided the past two presidential elections. In 2004, President Bush edged Sen. John Kerry 49.9% to 49.2%. In 2004, Al Gore barely beat Bush, 48.5% to 48.2%.

Schmidt says McCain's early opposition to ethanol tax credits could diminish his chances in the state. Obama, by contrast, he says, campaigned heavily on ethanol prior to the Iowa caucuses.

"I think it's always going to weigh in with a certain segment of voters who see ethanol as an important source of alternative energy," Schmidt says.

Both campaigns insist their approach to biofuels would better serve Iowans and the nation.

McCain supports energy alternatives such as ethanol, but believes the fuel additive can compete without "isolationist tariffs and special interest subsidies," says Iowa campaign spokeswoman Wendy Riemann.

"Every year, the ethanol industry shows further signs that it can live without government support," Riemann says. "By leveling the playing fields, and allowing the greater development of market-based solutions, John McCain believes we can gain better options for our fuel needs."