Washington State Potato Comission asks state lawmakers to act

After serving up samples of their favorite tuber at the Capitol, officials of the Washington Potato Commission asked state senators for help in getting the attention of the USDA over a popular program aimed at mothers and children.

Chris Voigt, executive director of the commission, offered a summary of his well-publicized 60-day all-potato diet and asked the senators to consider passing a resolution challenging the USDA's stance.

The potato diet was intended to get the attention of the USDA, which bans the purchase of potatoes under the Women, Infants and Children's program. "But the USDA has not budged,"he said, adding that the potato diet improved his health.