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NEW YORK -- Legendary investor Warren Buffett is making what he calls an "all-in wager" on the U.S. economy -- $34 billion to buy a major railroad that hauls everything from corn to cars across the country. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp., the nation's second-largest railroad, is the biggest hauler of food products like corn, and coal for electricity, making it an indicator of the country's economic health. The railroad also ships a large amount of consumer goods -- including items imported from Asia -- from big Western ports such as Los Angeles and Seattle. Analysts say Buffett is planting both feet in an industry that is poised to grow as the economy gets back on solid ground. It would be the biggest acquisition ever for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Berkshire Hathaway already owns about 22 percent of Burlington Northern, and will pay $100 a share in cash and stock for the rest of the company.

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