LACEY - The Washington Farm Bureau announced their support for Dan Newhouse's campaign for the Fourth Congressional District race.

The WSFB is Washington's biggest general agriculture organization, and uses a voluntary, grassroots advocacy approach to represent the social and economic interests of farmers and ranchers across the state, according to the organization's website.

"We are very pleased to endorse Dan Newhouse in his congressional campaign to replace the retiring Doc Hastings," Mike Plant, president of the Washington State Farm Bureau, said. "First and foremost, Dan is a farmer and the son of a farmer. He understands what it takes to run a family farm and the impact overreaching taxes and regulations can have on the viability of a family farm.

Plant noted Newhouse was once a state legislator and state Department of Agriculture director, and he believes Newhouse to be a voice for the state's food producers.

"With central Washington being dependent on strong agricultural production, the Washington Farm Bureau is a valued and important voice for our region," Newhouse said. "I am honored to receive their support for it means they believe I will go to Congress and work hard on the issues important to the district."

The WSFB joins the National Association of Credit Unions, the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, the Grocers Manufacturers Association and the National Association of Realtors in supporting Newhouse's campaign.

The farm bureau has also endorsed the following Grant County candidates for the 2014 elections: Melissa McKnight for assessor, Michele Jaderlund for auditor, Cindy Carter for district no. 3 county commissioner and Darryl Pheasant for treasurer.