On “Endorsements”

Last Wednesday, September 15, my opponent’s campaign announced, “Today, the Shapiro campaign begins rolling out endorsements for the 2010 election cycle. Our first endorsement is from the Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND:”

The announcement was made on her monoblog. I call it this because you cannot leave comments. Hmmmm.

I found this curious because the Texas Farm Bureau never contacted me. In their press release they cited the fact that the Senator, “understands transportation issues and our opposition to the Trans-Texas Corridor.”

Of course, I am on record as opposing the building of the Trans Texas Corridor at taxpayer expense as well, so I reached out to them to let them know that as well.

Jim Sartwelle, III, director of public policy and AgFund coordinator, replied as follows:

Thank you for your email and for your interest in the Texas Farm Bureau AgFund.  Our organization’s policy is to support members of Congress and the state legislature who support our policy positions.  Senator Shapiro has a 90% voting record with us and, as such, is considered a friendly incumbent.  She was endorsed without contacting or meeting with other candidates in the race, nor are any such meetings necessary between now and the election.

Again, thank you for your interest in Texas Farm Bureau AgFund.

Please note: not all endorsements are all they are claimed to be.

Also, for the record here is my reply:

Jim,

Thanks for the quick reply.

While I find your policy a bit unfair to other candidates, as a Libertarian I certainly recognize your right as a private organization to determine your own policies as you see fit. I hope that you might consider amending this policy in the future.

Again, if you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me.