Sam Brownback: Romney's Shifting Stance on Agriculture

Past statements reveal opposition to farm support, USDA

June 29, 2007 -- DES MOINES – Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney suggested eliminating the Department of Agriculture and reducing farm subsidies during his unsuccessful 1994 Senate race in Massachusetts.

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"Senator Brownback, who was the youngest state Secretary of Agriculture in Kansas history and who grew up on a farm in Parker, Kansas, has always made farmers and agriculture a priority," said John Rankin, Iowa communications director of Brownback for President. "Senator Brownback's commitment to farmers and Midwestern, conservative values have not wavered depending on what office he's running for. Senator Brownback is the best candidate for farmers and rural America and has enjoyed a great reception as he visits small towns and rural communities across Iowa."

Media reports from Romney's 1994 race include the following alarming revelations:

"Romney also … backed the virtual elimination of the Department of Energy and the Agriculture Department to cut the deficit."

(Andrew Miga, "GOP Senate Hopeful Romney Takes Campaign Show to D.C.," The Boston Herald, 7/13/94)

Romney: "I also believe we're going to have agricultural subsidies reduced."

(Mitt Romney, Romney-Kennedy Senate campaign debate, Faneuil Hall, Boston, MA, 10/25/94)

Source: Sam Brownback campaign