Governor Perry and White Clash at Texas Farm Bureau Conference

Strategic Insights -

Democrat Bill White accused Governor Rick Perry of betraying farmers by vetoing an eminent domain bill, while Perry chose to focus on his support of a constitutional amendment preventing government seizure of private property. The two gubernatorial candidates' contrasting rhetoric played out at the Texas Farm Bureau 2010 Presidents' Conference in San Marcos, where members remain stung by Perry's 2007 veto of the legislation.

Key Takeaways:

  • White criticized Perry for vetoing an eminent domain bill, which would have made compensation possible to landowners for diminished access to roadways.
  • Perry argued that the legislation could have resulted in high taxpayer bills to compensate landowners who had most of their access intact.
  • The Texas Farm Bureau's political arm, AgFund, has endorsed only Republicans in gubernatorial races since 1990, but may consider endorsing Perry or White in the current election.
  • Perry's campaign spokesman, Mark Miner, was criticized by White for implying that the Farm Bureau's insurance business influenced their endorsement of Perry's rival, Kay Bailey Hutchison.
  • White promised to revamp the Texas Department of Transportation, a move that some attendees praised as more in line with their concerns than Perry's remarks.
  • Perry emphasized his support of a constitutional amendment preventing government seizure of private property, a move he claimed reflects his commitment to protecting property rights.
  • Cliff Kessler, president of the Travis County Farm Bureau, said White spoke more to the bureau's concerns than Perry, whose remarks appeared to focus on a national level.
  • Marvin Peikert, a rancher from Austin County, expressed skepticism about White's candidacy, saying "I scratch him right away."

Statistics:

  • 400,000: The number of members in the Texas Farm Bureau's political arm, AgFund.
  • 2007: The year in which Governor Rick Perry vetoed an eminent domain bill that would have made compensation possible to landowners for diminished access to roadways.
  • 1990: The year in which AgFund, the Texas Farm Bureau's political arm, began endorsing in gubernatorial races.
  • 2010: The year in which the Texas Farm Bureau 2010 Presidents' Conference took place.

Sources:

  • Corrie MacLaggan, "Farm Bureau members stung by Governor's veto of eminent domain bill," Austin American-Statesman, July 17, 2007.
  • cmaclaggan@statesman.com; 445-3548.