Sunday, February 19, 2012

LaMalfa's $4.7 million in farm subsidies draw attacks; Critics chide LaMalfa on aid for family's farm

"It didn't take long after Doug LaMalfa announced he was running for Congress last month before a supporter of his Republican opponents went on the attack, zeroing in on just less than $4.7 million of federal subsidies paid to his family rice farm over the last 15 years."

"In an interview, [Aaron] Park says he believes it's important to point out LaMalfa's family rice farm in Richvale has received millions of dollars of federal subsidies over the years, something he feels will be one of the biggest issues in the congressional race."

"'It's an issue about honesty and integrity,' Park said. 'It's about presenting yourself as one thing, when you're not. He really isn't a fiscal conservative. He's a liberal conservative.'"

"LaMalfa bristled at the attack." LaMalfa continued saying that the subsidies "keep struggling farmers of rice, corn and other crops 'on life support.'"

The rest of the article is here.

Life support? Five million dollars of life support?

Two of LaMalfa's opponents had the following to say:

Pete Stiglich said the it's "hypocritical for a fellow Republican to receive federal farm aid, especially because LaMalfa has billed himself as a leader in the fight against expensive government entitlement programs."

"'When it meets [LaMalfa's] personal interest, it's not a big entitlement,' Stiglich said."

"Gregory Cheadle, a Happy Valley Republican, agreed."

"'You can't condemn welfare recipients on one end then get welfare on the other end,' Cheadle said. 'I mean 5 million bucks? Come on.'"

Exit Question: How can LaMalfa be serious about government entitlement reform when the government has provided him with almost $5 million?

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