The 50 American states send 435 men and women to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Most of them are little-known to anyone who doesn’t live in the district that sent them to Washington. Steve King, a Republican from Kiron who has been in the U.S. House for more than a dozen years, is not among that nearly anonymous multitude.

King’s passion for an array of conservative causes has made him a nationally recognized politician. He appears on television frequently and is quoted often in newspapers all over the nation. Just about anyone who follows politics is likely to know his name whether they agree with what he has to say or oppose it.

King’s national notoriety overshadows the fact that he is an effective voice in the nation’s capital for a set of local issues vitally important to Iowa’s 4th Congressional District.

This northwest Iowa district is heavily rural. It is one of a handful of congressional districts that lead the nation in egg and pork production. Its farms grow enormous corn and soybean crops. It ranks at or very near the top of all national venues in the production of ethanol and wind energy. It is a key contributor to the national effort to increase renewable-energy generation.

The nature of the northwestern Iowa economy makes keeping King the 4th District’s representative in Congress important. His committee assignments put him at the very center of decision making about an array of issues that affect agriculture either directly or indirectly.

King is a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, House Committee on Small Business and House Committee on the Judiciary. His roles in these key congressional bodies put him in a position to help shape a numerous federal policies that will influence the economic future of rural Iowa.

King also is among the strongest voices in Washington in support of the biofuels industries and wind power. Keeping America’s commitment to these renewable-energy initiatives strong is crucial if the goal of energy independence for the United States is to be achieved. These ventures also help keep northwest Iowa prosperous.

Steve King’s continued service in Congress is good for northwestern Iowa.