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The Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture (AGFUND), Inc. Board of Directors has formally requested that
state Sen. Todd Staples (R-Palestine) enter the race for the office of Texas Agriculture Commissioner in 2006.
Following the announcement that current Commissioner Susan Combs would enter the Comptroller's race in 2006, speculation has centered on Staples entering the Republican primary to head the Texas Department of Agriculture.
"We have appreciated the relationship you have established with our organization serving in both the Texas House and Senate and look forward to continuing that service as the primary policymaker for our industry," Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and TFB AGFUND President Kenneth Dierschke wrote in a letter to Staples. "To that effort, our AGFUND Board of Directors has pledged its assistance and endorsement as you develop your campaign efforts as Texas Agriculture Commissioner."
Born and raised in East Texas, Staples has been involved in agriculture all of his life. A former FFA state officer, he graduated with honors from Texas A&M University where he earned a B.S. in agricultural economics. Upon graduation, he returned home to start the real estate appraisal and brokerage firm he operates today. He also partners with his father in a cow-calf operation near Palestine.
"Senator Staples knows rural Texas because he has lived that life," Dierschke said. "He will be an effective Agriculture Commissioner because he has experienced and understands the problems and unique opportunities agriculture and rural Texans face in an increasingly urban state."
Staples is serving his second term in the Texas Senate and represents all or part of 16 counties. He served as Mayor Pro Tem of Palestine before being elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1995.
"Senator Staples has been a strong advocate for private property rights, and has been a constant ally in addressing the needs of farm and ranch families in Texas," Dierschke said. "He will serve the Lone Star State well as agriculture commissioner should he choose to run."
AGFUND is Texas Farm Bureau's political action fund. It is a legal entity separate from the Texas Farm Bureau and may endorse and contribute financially to political candidates. AGFUND is funded by voluntary contributions from TFB members.
