Farmers reaffirm support for Bush/Cheney

» October 11, 2004 «

Stating that America must continue the course begun by the Bush administration, the California Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors has endorsed President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney for re-election.

"George W. Bush and John Kerry have starkly different views on the role of government and what's best for the American people," California Farm Bureau President Bill Pauli said. "President Bush has consistently worked for the good of rural Americans as well as small business owners."

Pauli noted that the president has made economic recovery following the September 11 attacks a high priority. "The president's tax cuts and continuous support of elimination of the death tax have been important to California's farmers and ranchers," he said.

Pauli cited other Bush administration policies that have benefited farmers, ranchers and rural residents.

"President Bush signed a Farm Bill that contains record support of farm-based conservation programs, enhancing the stewardship efforts that farmers and ranchers undertake every day," he said.

The administration has supported programs that promote American products abroad, and sought trade agreements that benefit agricultural trade.

"Agriculture used to be ignored in trade talks, usually to the detriment of American farmers," Pauli said. "President Bush supports trade agreements that help American farmers and works diligently to enforce existing agreements so our farmers have a fair shake."

Pauli also said the administration's Healthy Forests Restoration Act will help to prevent devastating wildfires in California.

"The choice in next month's election could not be more clear," Pauli said. "America needs four more years of President Bush's strong, decisive leadership."

The California Farm Bureau Federation, the state's largest farm organization, will mobilize nearly 90,000 members statewide to influence the outcome of the November election.

Contact: Ann Schmidt-Fogarty
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

Permission for use is granted, however, credit must be made to the California Farm Bureau Federation when reprinting this item.