Lummis Supports Federal Bailout CHEYENNE, WY (wpr) - Cynthia Lummis says the government was right to bail out government-sponsored Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac but in general should avoid rescuing private companies.

Lummis is a former state treasurer and state lawmaker, and she's the Republican candidate for Wyoming's seat in the U.S. House.

Lummis says it was OK for the government to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac because the government created the companies and they're huge sources of home loan credit.

Lummis feels differently about the government's rescue of private investment firm Bear Stearns and insurer AIG. However, Lummis says she assumes that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson had information that prompted him to intervene to try to avoid a larger
crisis.

She says she gives Paulson the benefit of doubt. © Copyright 2009, wpr