Amador County - 3rd District Congressman Dan Lungren took Amador County by storm last week, laying out his ideas and policy plans for improvements to the local economy. All this revolved around an awards ceremony at the Board Chambers last weekend honoring Lungren for “his dedication to local business.” Earlier that same day, in an exclusive interview on TSPN, Lungren emphasized the importance of small business in his political ideology. Lungren’s local tour continued as he addressed constituents in Martell in a session sponsored by the Amador County Republican Central Committee. While Lungren’s speech covered a wide range of topics, certain subjects – like proposed Indians Casinos – stood out as hot button issues. Lungren answered to the concerns of Plymouth residents and anti-casino activists like Butch Cranford by giving his rundown of the complicated history of tribal-federal government relationships. Lungren took a much harsher stance when it came to international affairs, and disapproved of President Barack Obama’s “soft” approach to diplomacy in Europe during the G20 Summit. He referred to Obama’s dealings with Turkey as “apologizing for America.” Answering one audience members query about the feasibility of a nuclear free word, Lungren said “I’m going to surprise you.” He outlined recent legislation he co-authored with Democrat Jim McGovern called the Global Security Priorities Resolution, with the intent to “reduce the number of and accessibility to nuclear weapons and preventing their proliferation.” The proposal would redirect funds currently used for nuclear proliferation to help educate children in Africa. Lungren called this method “soft diplomacy.” Lungren’s stumping culminated with visits to Amador and Calaveras County food banks. Lungren had previously expressed his support of the new San Andreas Food Bank facility. The 5000-square-foot facility, which opened earlier this year and was celebrated in a ceremony in late March, is only the latest improvement in operations for The Resource Connection. Lungren referred to the new operation as “a grand step in the right direction.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.