Quist received more than $500,000 in farm subsidies

Allen Quist

Between 1995 and 2010, congressional challenger Allen Quist received $577,725 in federal farm subsidies, according to a report in the Rochester Post-Bulletin. Quist is seeking the GOP nomination to take on U.S. Rep. Tim Walz in the 1st Congressional District.

Two years ago former state Rep. Randy Demmer‘s acceptance of federal farm subsidies became a source of controversy in his unsuccessful campaign to oust Walz.

Quist told the Post-Bulletin that he was merely doing what was necessary to compete economically under the current system and that Walz actually deserves criticism for his support of farm subsidies. “Really the person to go after is Walz,” Quist said. “He is the one who voted for the subsidies. I’ve never voted for the subsidies.”

State Sen. Mike Parry is also seeking the GOP nomination in the 1st Congressional District.