SPRINGFIELD - Republican Aaron Schock picked up an endorsement from the Illinois Farm Bureau on Wednesday, even though Democrat Colleen Callahan has campaigned emphasizing her background in agriculture.

Both candidates for the 18th Congressional District seat, along with Green Party candidate Sheldon Schafer, are vying to succeed Republican U.S. Rep Ray LaHood, who is retiring.

Schock, of Peoria, said the endorsement was valuable to him because agriculture is Central Illinois' biggest industry. And the decision was made more significant, Schock said, because of Callahan's emphasis on farming.

"It just shows you can't take any constituency for granted," said Schock, who now serves as a state lawmaker.

Schock also said his interest in making President Bush's tax cuts permanent was a factor in the decision.

Callahan, of Kickapoo, said she wasn't surprised to hear the farm bureau's decision, even though she worked as a farm broadcaster for 35 years. She said the group often endorses Republican candidates, but she still expects to do well in the November election with individual farmers.

"They continued to do what they've always done," Callahan said.

The Democrat said she didn't tout it at the time, but was endorsed by the Illinois Federation of Teachers earlier this month even though Schock's first political job was as a member of the Peoria school board.

"Our opponent is the education guy," she said.

Dale Wyss, a member of the Woodford County Farm Bureau and part of the group that chose Schock, said the Peoria Republican's views fit well with farmers.

"He was already a friend of agriculture with the state legislature," Wyss said.

"She also did a great job," Wyss added of Callahan. "Obviously, it was a very tough decision."

The 18th Congressional District includes Logan County, the northern parts of Decatur and Macon County, as well as parts of Tazewell and Woodford counties.