With the array of political signs, buttons and pamphlets that decorated North Campus Wednesday night, it was hard to believe November is still more than seven months away.

Four Republican candidates hoping to become the next state Commissioner of Agriculture revealed their plans to a large crowd at the University Chapel Wednesday night.

The event was co-hosted by the Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority and Student Government Association.

Athens state Sen. Brian Kemp touted his experience in state government and his role as the sponsor of Senate Bill 453.

SB 453 would require 2 percent of all fuel sold to local and state governments to be biofuel.

Kemp said he is still trying to help the bill go through the Georgia General Assembly.

Fellow candidate and University graduate Gary Black didn’t show support for Kemp’s bill.

“We don’t need the state government telling the local government how to operate,” he said.

Black said he was opposed to mandates, and said the sale of biofuel should be market-driven.

The bill isn’t a mandate, Kemp said.

The consumer would not be forced to buy the biofuel if the price was higher than market value or if the product was unavailable, he added.

Candidate Bob Greer stressed the importance of agriculture education.

“Most people have no clue how agriculture affects their daily lives,” he said.

From the food in the kitchen, to the gas in the car, agriculture has a larger affect on Georgians than any other industry, he said.

Deanna Strickland, the only female candidate in the Republican primary, stressed the importance of healthy food.

“We’ve been kept fat, dumb and happy,” she said.

Kemp said the University could play a key role in developing the field of agriculture in the future.

All four Republican candidates will attempt to unseat Democrat Tommy Irvin, who has held the position since 1969.

Kemp said he would have the best chance to replace Irvin.

“I’m the only one who has beat an incumbent Democrat,” he said.