Editor's Note: This story has been changed from the print version to clarify that Shoemaker does not plan to serve the endangered smelt, but legal types harvested elsewhere. Corrected on Sept. 1, 2009.
A Republican running for a Fresno-area Assembly seat next year is offering a Delta delicacy of sorts at an upcoming fundraiser. An invitation from Brandon Shoemaker, at right, for an Oct. 3 feed promises Delta smelt appetizers with a robust meal featuring barbecued beef. Inclusion of the bite-sized fish on the menu refers to federal water pumping restrictions designed to protect it. Groups have rallied against the limits, saying feds have chosen fish over farmers. Shoemaker assures that he doesn't intend to cook the endangered breed -- smelt fished in other locales is available for sale at his local grocer.
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