Family Farmers Launch Ad Campaign in 5th Senate Distric

» October 5, 2004 «

The California Farm Bureau Federation, California's largest agricultural association, is featuring two campaign commercials that are being aired in California's 5th Senate District.

The California Farm Bureau Federation, a former supporter of Mike Machado, has designated this campaign as its top legislative race for the 2004 election cycle.

"The voters of California's 5th Senate District will be hearing from family farmers for the duration of this campaign," said California Farm Bureau President Bill Pauli. "The election of Gary Podesto is a top priority for California agriculture."

The two commercials unveiled today draw a contrast between incumbent Senator Mike Machado and Stockton Mayor Gary Podesto.

"Before Gary Podesto became mayor of Stockton, the city was running chronic budget deficits, taxes were high, crime was on the rise and businesses were leaving the city," said Pauli. "Under Podesto's leadership, Stockton is now one of California's finest cities."

"In contrast, Senator Machado was one of Governor Gray Davis' strongest allies in the state legislature. Machado should share the blame for supporting unbalanced budgets that led to the largest deficit in California history," said Pauli. "Machado voted frequently to raise taxes and pass laws that hurt small business, family farms and the local economy. While Podesto created local jobs, Machado passed laws that make farming less profitable and as a result, farmers are selling farmland that has been in their family for generations."

The California Farm Bureau was among the first to support the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger for Governor. Family farmers view this Senate race as another opportunity to reform the business of government and hold elected leaders accountable for wasteful government spending and high taxes.

To view the California Farm Bureau commercials, visit www.cfbf.com.

The California Farm Bureau Federation 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.