09/16/09 McMorris Rodgers and Munro on McCain-Palin and the West

Washington Ag September 16, 2008 The Republican National Committee paid for a teleconference for reporters Monday featuring Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and former Washington Secretary of State Ralph Munro to discuss the McCain-Palin tickets appeal to what they described as western values. Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers emphasized the Republican presidential ticket's energy policy. She also said that being from the west McCain and Palin understand the impact of federal environmental laws such as the Endangered Species Act. But what about McCain and agriculture? The Senator opposed the 2008 Farm Bill. McMorris Rodgers: "John McCain's concern with the farm bill is the inclusion of pork like projects, other projects that really do not really belong in the farm bill and that are included in the farm bill. And as we move forward I think we have to have an honest discussion about what is really needed to help our farmers." In Iowa earlier this year McCain said he would veto the farm bill because. Quote "I believe the subsidies are unnecessary." Both the congresswoman and Ralph Munro also pointed to the importance of trade to Washington agriculture and McCain's support of pending free trade agreements. I'm Bob Hoff.