Grassley will talk about agriculture issues with A.G. nominee

Agricultural concerns top the list as Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley meets today with President-elect Bush’s nominee for Attorney General. Grassley wants to talk with John Ashcroft about the recent bid by Tyson Foods to buy I-B-P, and related farm issues.Ashcroft is the former Governor of Missouri, and is a former state auditor, state attorney general and U-S Senator. Grassley says big-business mergers have the potential to do a lot of harm to Americans in several groups.Grassley, a republican, also wants to talk with Ashcroft about his views on airline competition. Ashcroft has been under fire on several race-related issues but Grassley says he’s confident Ashcroft “will do the job and leave personal consideration out” when it comes to enforcing the law. Grassley says “there can be no question of his moral and ethical character.” Grassley says Ashcroft will bring that moral character to his job as Attorney General.Grassley says Ashcroft will be “considerably different” from current Attorney General Janet Reno because he would “never..defend the President of the United States when the President is wrong.” Bush’s choice for Labor Secretary is also target of criticism. Linda Chavez is accused of housing an illegal immigrant several years ago. Grassley says there are a lot accusations being raised against Chavez by interest groups that don’t want a conservative Secretary of Labor.Grassley says he’ll make a final decision about Chavez after her hearing.