After scoring points with the crowd and at least one candidate, Brownsdale’s Stephen Williams is back on the campaign trail following appearances at the 2008 Mower County Fair in Austin.

Wherever he goes — at least locally — Williams may get as many inquires about sweet corn from his popular Honey Tree Farm as he does about serious campaign issues.

“The last few weeks have been very busy, with most days being spent at various county fairs in Kasson, Waseca, Albert Lea, Farmington, Austin and Rochester,” Williams said.

Williams expressed thanks to First Congressional District chairman Michael Burger and also Tom Viken for “all the work they have done setting up the fair booths.

“Because of their work I have had the opportunity to personally introduce myself and the IP Party to thousands of fair-goers,” he said. “The overwhelming response has been great, with most people saying that the Independence Party is exactly what our nation needs.”

Williams also took part in the FarmFest candidates’ forum Aug. 5.

Dean Barkley, an Independence Party candidate for the U.S. Senate, praised Williams’ responses, which Minnesota Public Radio featured on their newscasts the following day.

Williams was obviously pleased with his performance.

“Last Tuesday I took part in the forum for U.S. Senate candidates at Farmfest near Redwood Falls,” he said. “The next day, on the front page of the Star Tribune was a picture of Norm Coleman, Al Franken and myself. One supporter upon seeing this picture remarked, ‘I was clearly head and shoulders above the competition.’”

This week, Williams will be at the Steele County Fair in Owatonna.

When the Sept. 9 State Primary Election arrives, Williams faces an “identity” crisis of his own.

“There are seven candidates in the Independence Party Primary on Sept. 9,” he said. “Two of us share the same last name.”

For more information about Williams’ campaign, e-mail steve@prairiefireusa.com or go to www.prairiefireusa.com.