Tobacco price supports survive stiff challenge

The House refused by a wide margin Wednesday to chop down the tobacco allotment program, sparing it from the ax used last week on the sugar and peanut programs.

The House rejected, 231 to 184, an amendment to the pending farm bill by Rep. Bob Shamansky (D) of Ohio which would have ended the tobacco program - a depression-era setup that artificially raises prices and restricts tobacco farming to those who inherit, rent, or buy allotments. It was its strongest challenge ever.