Thanks to all of you who went to the polls yesterday to participate in the democratic process and help elect our nation’s leaders. Although the Presidential race is capturing most of the nation’s attention, the profile of the next Congress has begun to take shape.

As your advocate here in the Nation’s Capital, United Fresh looks forward to working with the next Congress and a new Administration as we focus on key issues that impact our industry including food safety, nutrition, federal agricultural policy, transportation, immigration and economic policy. Day in and day out we pride ourselves in the ability to work for you in a bipartisan manner on our industry’s unwavering public policy agenda, no matter which party or which candidates take office. I believe that this is one of the most important strengths we bring to our membership, so as we advance our industry’s issues in the 111th Congress and the Obama Administration, we look forward to working with both the new political leaders that will come to our nation’s capitol and our long-time allies in Congress that have supported us for many years.

House of Representatives
All 435 Members of the House were up for re-election and most analysts were in agreement that Democrats would build on their gains from the 2006 mid-term election.  The breakdown of the House during 2006–2008 was 235 Democrats, 199 Republicans, and 1 vacancy. On Tuesday, the Democrats were able to secure an additional 21 seats at press time.  With around 11 House races yet to be tallied, the current breakdown is 251 Democrats and 173 Republicans.  Looking nationally, Democrats defeated 12 GOP incumbents and won 9 open seats vacated by Republicans.  Democrats were able to expand gains in most regions of the country, particularly the Northeast in states like Connecticut and New York while also winning two open seats in New Mexico previously held by Republicans.  In extending their control of the House, Democrats will have the ability to expand their congressional agenda while working with an Administration from their own party.

Senate
Thirty-five U.S. Senate seats were contested, with Republicans holding 23 of those seats and Democrats holding 12.  Prior to last night, both the Democrats and Republicans each held 49 seats, with 2 seats held by Independents.  During the 110th Congress, both Independent Senators caucused with the Democrats, giving them majority control.  On Tuesday, the Democrats secured five additional seats to extend their majority.  With more than 95 percent of the vote counted, Alaska Republican Sen. Ted Stevens clung to a narrow lead. In Georgia, Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss held a substantial lead over Democrat Jim Martin, but it wasn’t clear whether Chambliss would clear 50 percent and thereby avoid a December runoff. And in Oregon, Republican Sen. Gordon Smith was two percentage points ahead of Democrat Jeff Merkley with three-fourths of the votes in.  

The Senate will also include two Independents — Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman and Vermont Sen. Bernard Sanders.  During the 110th Congress these Senators played pivotal roles in legislative decisions and majority control for the Democrats.  However, with an expanded majority by the Democrats, it is unclear what role they will play come January.  It is expected that Senator Sanders will continue to work closely with the Democrats but Senator Lieberman may be on the outside given his strong support for Presidential runner-up and Arizona Sen. John McCain during the election. 

The Senate has struggled over the last two years to make progress with just a 51-vote majority, counting the two independents with the Democratic caucus. But with at least five more seats, Democrats are far better positioned now to build coalitions with moderate Republicans like Maine Sen. Susan Collins to get to the 60 votes to block a filibuster.  With this control, Democrats will have a greater influence on Presidential nominees to positions such as federal judgeships, Administration positions, and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Congress and The Produce Industry Outlook
In both the House and Senate, most members who have traditionally supported produce industry efforts seem to have faired well in their reelection bids, further strengthening our efforts in the respective chambers.  However, we are closely monitoring the Chambliss and Smith Senate races, as both incumbents have been very strong supporters of our legislative agenda.  That being said, during the last two years many of our initiatives were successfully considered by Congress and we want to build on that momentum during the 111th Congress by expanding our bipartisan coalitions, which will be an important tool over the next two years.  Agriculture in general is relatively non-partisan, and fruit and vegetable issues specifically have very little to do with party preferences.  While rural members of Congress from produce growing regions are certainly our friends, the most liberal members of Congress also strongly support increased fruit and vegetable consumption to meet the dire health needs of their constituents. 

Most importantly, with any new Congress, our industry needs to continue building strong relationships and developing new ones that are vital to our successes in enacting policy initiatives.  These will promote our ability to deliver the most nutritious and abundant food supply to the American consumer while ensuring a fair and level playing field for all businesses.

Congratulations to all the candidates who have committed to public service in the next Congress.  Write them a note today and thank them for their service, but don’t forget to remind them that you and your business will be counting on their efforts.  We all have a lot of work to do in the days and weeks to come.