As controversy continues to surround U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks’ (R-Huntsville) criticism of the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), elected officials across the state have jumped to the organization’s defense.
The feud between Brooks and the federation amplified over the past week as the congressman alleged ALFA to be in support of “cheap foreign labor,” a charge that ALFA has vehemently denied.
ALFA, which has endorsed Brooks’ opponent Katie Britt in Alabama’s 2022 U.S. Senate race, called his comments “egregious” and an “insult to the hardworking, law-abiding farmers he claims to represent.”
The most high-profile elected leader to have shown public support for ALFA in its ongoing public battle with Brooks was Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth (R-AL), who has long been a supporter of the agricultural advocacy organization.
The men and women represented by ALFA are some of the finest people in our state, and I’m proud to carry their support. Anyone who attacks and criticizes family farmers or minimizes the challenges they face does not speak for me or the majority of Alabamians. #ALFAProud
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) October 7, 2021
“The men and women represented by ALFA are some of the finest people in our state, and I’m proud to carry their support. Anyone who attacks and criticizes family farmers or minimizes the challenges they face does not speak for me or the majority of Alabamians,” Ainsworth tweeted.
Several members of the state legislature echoed the lieutenant governor’s sentiments on social media regarding Brooks’ attacks against ALFA. Among these were State Reps. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), Proncey Robertson (R-Mt. Hope) and Wes Allen (R-Troy).
Well said @willainsworthAL Farmers represent the best of our state. If you ate today, thank a farmer. @AlfaFarmers https://t.co/shBeqnrhYf
— Representative Andy Whitt (@andy_whitt1) October 7, 2021
“Well said, Will Ainsworth. Farmers represent the best of our state. If you ate today, thank a farmer,” stated Whitt.
Yes Sir??
I will always be found standing in support of our #AlabamaFarmers & their Families. They’re the backbone of Alabama
I’m proud to have been endorsed by local @AlfaFarmers in Lawrence, Morgan, Winston & Franklin Counties in #2018 #AlabamaFarmers #PronceyHouse2022 https://t.co/8iy6eZFWtX
— Rep. Proncey Robertson (@PronceyHouse7) October 7, 2021
“I will always be found standing in support of our [Alabama farmers] & their Families,” said Robertson. “They’re the backbone of Alabama. I’m proud to have been endorsed by local [ALFA farmers] in Lawrence, Morgan, Winston & Franklin Counties in 2018.”
https://twitter.com/RepWesAllen/status/1446285564689453058?s=20
“I’ve traveled all over [Alabama] campaigning for [secretary of state]. I’ve met hundreds of farmers. I appreciate the hard work they do to keep Alabama and the entire country fed,” tweeted Allen.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
