LaMalfa in race for state Senate

Doug LaMalfa announced his candidacy at a rally. Saying the Legislature needs "fewer dealmakers and more principled conservatives willing to stand up for taxpayers," conservative Republican and Richvale rice farmer Doug LaMalfa kicked off his candidacy last week for state Senator of the 4th District.

LaMalfa outlined three issues that will be the focus of his campaign: taxpayer protection, water and job creation.

"Taxpayers are under assault by a Legislature bent on maintaining and expanding the size and scope of state government," LaMalfa said. "This latest budget 'deal' punishes taxpayers for the past 'deals' that put us in such a financial hole."

An advocate for increasing California's water supply by supporting planned projects such as Sites Reservoir, LaMalfa said, "Protecting our water rights and developing more water storage are vital to our economic future."

He also said that California continues to lose jobs to other states because of high taxes and burdensome environmental and business regulations.

LaMalfa was elected as a founding director of the California Rice Commission from Butte County. He was elected to the State Assembly from the 2nd District in 2002 and served until 2008.