LaMalfa faces fire in congressional debate held in Redding

"Doug LaMalfa found himself on the defensive Monday night about the millions of dollars his family has received in federal farm subsidies over the years."

"At a debate organized by the Redding Tea Party Patriots featuring seven of the eight candidates in the 1st District Congressional race, one of LaMalfa's Republican challengers, Michael Dacquisto, asked the state senator if he would pledge to give back the subsidies should he be elected."

"LaMalfa's family has received $4.7 million in federal subsidies between 1995 and 2010, according to the Environmental Working Group, an organization that tallies federal farm aid. The subsidies have been roundly attacked by LaMalfa's opponents, who say it's hypocritical for a small-government Republican to accept the aid. LaMalfa says the payment program is necessary for 'breadbasket' farmers like him to offset the costs of burdensome regulations, government-imposed costs and trade agreements that put American farmers at a disadvantage."

"LaMalfa said should he be elected he would work to reduce those burdens so the subsidies are no longer necessary."

The rest of this article from the Redding Searchlight is here.

Sometimes it is interesting to listen to what candidates do not say. LaMalfa never said that he would work to get rid of subsidies.

While LaMalfa endured attacks from most of his competitors, Dr. Sam Aanestad did not criticize LaMalfa but focused instead on establishing himself as the more experienced and most conservative member of the group.

Dr. Aanestad noted he also has the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock.