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Texas Agriculture Archive

November 15, 2002

AGFUND sees 90 percent success

After much prognostication and speculation regarding the 2002 slate of elected officials, the final tally is in. From a statewide position, this is the second election cycle where Republicans have swept the top elected slots. This cycle, more decidedly so, continues as you progress "down ballot" into judicial races. This tends to answer the questions from political pundits whether or not Texas is a conservative or Republican state. Recent election cycles would indicate the answer leans toward Republican.

Some 41 new members will be sworn into the Legislature, 34 in the House and seven in the Senate. The Republicans now have a majority in both chambers with 19 in the Senate and 88 in the House. This will certainly produce a conservative outlook for the State of Texas. This outcome will definitely shape major issues facing TFB such as taxes, property rights, water, education and transportation.

Overall the AGFUND-endorsed candidates fared well. Of 107 candidates endorsed by AGFUND, 90 percent won their races. This rate is historically consistent with past AGFUND endorsements.

The last race on the political landscape to be determined is that of Speaker. That decision will be made when the House is called to order Jan. 14. Regardless of the outcome of the Speaker's race there will still be a number of changes in chairmen. Currently, there are 16 committee chairs vacant including Appropriations, Natural Resources and Education under the current leadership. All committee chairs could change with the election of a new Speaker. From an organizational perspective, new leadership creates a new opportunity for our membership to become more active in conveying the message of Farm Bureau. We must continue to build relationships with new Legislators and continue to educate them on the agenda of the Texas Farm Bureau. This change emphasizes the importance for you to visit with your elected representatives, who may very well move into one of these influential positions in the House leadership.

Now more than ever, participation in Leadership Conference and Leader Day in Austin is crucial. These activities are excellent ways for our membership to meet with elected officials and emphasize why TFB is regarded as one of the most successful grassroots organizations in Texas.

AGFUND ENDORSEMENT RESULTS

	Won	Lost	Percent Won
Statewide	10	5	67
U.S. Congress	18	0	100
Texas Senate	17	1	94
Texas House	51	5	91
Total: All Races	96	11	90