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By Kenneth Dierschke
President, Texas Farm Bureau
A quick look at the calendar will tell you soon enough. It's one of those years divisible by two—an election year. Of course, turning on the television for more than a few moments would convince you of the same thing. Yes, the election season is upon us and, as usual, there is a lot at stake for rural Texas.
Politics is almost a blood sport these days. Both parties play the "gotcha game" with increasing fervor, and what some have called "the politics of personal destruction" seems far too prevalent.
Farm Bureau is political. We always have been, but the establishment of the Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund (AGFUND), Inc. in 1988 made us even more so. We make political choices based on the direction of our members and Farm Bureau policy.
AGFUND is different than what we are seeing in the media, though. We remain non-partisan. We seek out candidates that share our philosophy and our concerns for agricultural and rural issues. We stick close to the issues, and we've sometimes had to explain the differences we've had with particular politicians. We've earned a considerable amount of respect for that. AGFUND has helped make Texas Farm Bureau a major player in the Texas political arena. We will remain so only if we use our influence wisely and honestly.
In this issue of Texas Agriculture, you'll find the names of the candidates which AGFUND is recommending to our members in this election. You can also read about the reasons they earned the AGFUND endorsement.
Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND presidents are always careful to point out that these endorsements are not an effort to dictate the votes of our membership. Our effort is much like the endorsements of a daily newspaper. I am no different. I care very much that you vote and vote your own interests and conscience, but that is a choice and decision that every citizen makes.
What the AGFUND endorsement means is that voluntary leaders and staff have combed the records of incumbents, quizzed challengers and left no stone unturned in examining the positions of the candidates in all races. It's our belief that we have recommended to you the persons that will best serve the interests of farm, ranch and rural families.
The urbanization of our state continues, and with a few exceptions, we no longer have the luxury of discussing agricultural problems with elected officials who know exactly what we're talking about.
We do, however, have ample opportunity to work with virtually all elected officials in making our case. We get the chance to explain how our issues affect everyone. It is very important that we support candidates from all walks of Texas life that have the will and the courage to help us when it counts. I hope you'll read this issue carefully and factor its message into your final decisions.
Farmers and ranchers have always voted in numbers greater than our declining percentage of the population would indicate. I am very proud of that. I encourage you in the strongest way possible to exercise your right as free people. Please vote on November 2.
