By, Aaron Adelson
Aadelson@kcautv.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AAdelsonKCAU
Coming to BPI's defense were both of the candidates for Iowa's newly created 4th congressional district.
While current Congressman Steve King, and his opponent Christie Vilsack are on opposite sides of the fence on many issues, there's one thing can both agree on LFTB is safe.
Despite the presence of elected officials, BPI owners Eldon and Regina Roth said repeatedly the rally is not a political event.
With 30-thousand burgers on hand, the Siouxland community gathered to show support for BPI.
Also on hand, Representative Steve King and his Democratic challenger Christie Vilsack, both hoping their support can turn the tides for the meat processor.
"I'm gonna take a big bite out of this hamburger, my second one of the day, and after that, BPI's products are again going to become very popular in America, thank you," exclaimed King.
King hopes the images from Saturday's rally will echo across America.
"It sends the message out there doesn't it? That it's safe, it's healthy, it's tasty, there's no better burger anywhere in America, and so I think that everybody coming here, eating burgers, demonstrating, not just how safe it is, but how good it is," said King.
Christie Vilsack agrees that LFTB is safe. She said it is the women in our community who can put BPI back on it's feet.
"I think one of the biggest strengths in this audience today are all the women here, because we tend to be the ones who go to the grocery stores, and we're the ones who choose the products that we bring home and feed to our families," said Vilsack.
Vilsack says for years, she's chosen ground beef with LFTB and will continue to do so.
"No concerns at all. It's a safe product, and these are wonderful people who work there," said Vilsack.
Some of the other people that spoke out today in support of BPI were Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott as well as South Sioux City Mayor Bill McLarty.
