Our modest tribute to Congressman LaMalfa

Our modest tribute to Congressman LaMalfa

It was a gut-punch for us in our Bend, Oregon home as social media postings informed us of Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s untimely passing, at age 65. We reflected on the many interactions with Doug and his family, primarily at the numerous Republican election headquarters, as well as times we bumped into each other at fair booth and tent outreach events. Whether in Red Bluff or Corning, or at one of his many stops on election nights, often with family in tow, the unmistakable impression was of a “regular guy,” with no airs or attitude. When we attended one of Doug’s fall Harvest gatherings, he always recognized us, welcomed our presence; our sense was one of being around hundreds of fellow supporters who were, as his motto went, “one of us.” His issues were our issues; that politics has become a parade of almost tribal devotion and animosity is unfortunate, but Doug LaMalfa’s values never wavered. His election margins told the tale of a representative that truly represented this North State community we call home, at least for our nearly 38 years of work, family, and property ownership. You’ll be welcomed into Heaven’s gates, our dear friend.

Don and Barbara Polson