Endorsements

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors Political Action Committee (SURPAC) for the general election.

“Gov. Perry’s efforts have enabled the surveying community to better serve the public by attaining high technical and ethical surveying standards,” said Bob Seipel, SURPAC Committee Chair. “We are pleased to continue working with Gov. Perry to help map out the future of Texas.”

The Texas Society of Professional Surveyors, with a membership of more than 2,000 registered surveyors, surveyors-in-training, students and associates, seeks to educate and inform the public of the integral role of surveyors in our society.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors Political Action Committee,” said Gov. Perry. “I will continue to make sure they have the tools they need to continue attracting new residents and businesses. The Texas surveyors community plays an integral role in keeping Texas strong.”

AUSTIN – Today Gov. Perry received the endorsement of the Texas Chemical Council for the general election.

“Gov. Perry’s proven conservative leadership has solidified Texas as the best state in the nation to do business and live in," said Hector L. Rivero, CEO and president of Texas Chemical Council. “Because of his policies, vision and advocacy in maintaining a regulatory climate to create more jobs, our state continues to attract capital investment and generate high-paying, high-quality jobs that sustain our state’s economy.”

The Texas Chemical Council is a statewide trade association of chemical manufacturers in Texas. TCC currently represents 77 member companies who operate more than 200 manufacturing facilities across the state with over $50 billion in physical assets and employs over 74,000 Texans. The chemical industry pays more than $1 billion in state and local taxes each year and is responsible for nearly a half-million Texas jobs. Texas chemical products are the state’s largest export with approximately $35 billion in exports annually.

“I am grateful to receive the endorsement of the Texas Chemical Council,” said Gov. Perry. “Their efforts are an integral part of our state’s economic engine that provides jobs for Texas citizens. I am proud of our state’s chemical industry and will continue to provide the tools they need to succeed in the years to come.”

IRVING – Gov. Rick Perry today accepted the endorsement of the Texas Oil and Gas Association (TxOGA) PAC following his address to their 2010 Lone Star Forum in Irving.

“It is a real honor to win the endorsement of the Texas Oil and Gas Association, a group that represents our state’s remarkable heritage as energy producer to the world,” said Gov. Perry. “I look forward to our ongoing collaboration as we work to ensure Texas remains at the forefront of our nation’s energy industry and combat Washington’s misguided policies that put hundreds of thousands of Texas jobs at risk.”

In his remarks, Gov. Perry highlighted Texas’ consistent leadership in both traditional and renewable sources of energy. Texas produces 20 percent of the nation’s crude oil, refines more than 25 percent of the nation’s fuel supply and produces about one third of the nation’s natural gas. The state also generates more wind energy than all but four other countries and is a respected leader in solar, biofuel and nuclear production. While the state has expanded its energy infrastructure and diversified its energy portfolio, it has also successfully cleaned its air, achieving a 22 percent reduction in ozone and a 53 percent decrease in NOx from regulated sources since 2000, outperforming federal programs in virtually every category by utilizing free-market incentives instead of imposing burdensome regulations or mandates.

Gov. Perry also criticized the EPA’s recent takeover of Texas’ successful flexible permitting program and Washington’s off-shore drilling moratorium, both which are hurting our energy industry and threatening the hundreds of thousands of jobs that depend on it. The governor is committed to continue fighting Washington’s intrusion into our state’s economy and will work with members of TxOGA and other energy leaders to combat harmful policies like cap and trade through all avenues possible.

“With more than 315,000 high-quality, high-paying jobs, the oil and gas sector is a big reason Texas has weathered tough economic times better than other states,” said Roe Buckley, chairman of TxOGA. “The Texas economy is the envy of the nation because Gov. Perry has fought for a pro-business climate. He’s committed to conservative spending values. He supports a predictable regulatory climate. He does all of this because he knows how to attract capital and grow jobs. For these reasons, and a host of others, the Texas Oil & Gas Association PAC is proud to endorse Gov. Rick Perry.”

Texas Oil and Gas Association was founded in 1919 and is the oldest and largest organization in the state representing petroleum interests. The association’s 2,000 members represent the diverse professions and businesses that depend on our state’s oil and gas industry, including independent oil and gas producers, oil and gas producing and purchasing companies, refining companies, marketing companies, drilling contractors, land men, lease brokers, geologists, consulting engineers, royalty owners, pipe line companies and contractors, transportation companies, carbon black companies, geophysical companies, equipment and supply firms, well servicing contractors, oil and gas tax attorneys, insurance companies, banks, and many others.

WACO – Today Gov. Perry received the endorsement of the Texas branch of the National Federation of Independent Business for the general election.

“NFIB is proud to announce our support of Gov. Perry for re-election,” said Will Newton, Texas Executive Director of National Federation of Independent Business. “He has demonstrated his support for the small business community through his leadership, pushing through reforms like the increase in the franchise tax exemption that spared 40,000 small businesses from the tax last year. The governor is keenly aware of the needs of the small business community and continues to champion key issues like tort reform and easing the regulatory burden that hampers job growth and business development.

“Governor Perry understands that small business is our state’s number one job creator and the lifeblood of our economy,” continued Newton. “We look forward to mobilizing our nearly 25,000 members to turn out the vote and re-elect him.”

The National Federation of Independent Business is the leading small business association representing small and independent businesses. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1943, NFIB represents the consensus views of its members in Washington and all 50 state capitals.

NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of their members to own, operate and grow their businesses. NFIB also gives its members a power in the marketplace. By pooling the purchasing power of its members, the National Federation of Independent Business gives members access to many business products and services at discounted costs. NFIB also provides timely information designed to help small businesses succeed.

“It is a true honor to receive the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business-Texas,” said Gov. Perry. “The pioneering spirit and the fruits of your labor are essential to our economic strength today and in the future as you continue to create jobs. Government is at its best when it’s cultivating an environment that makes it easier for employers to thrive, then get out of the way.

Texas has been recently named CEO Magazine’s best place to do business and Moody’s Economy lists seven Texas metros among their ‘first cities to emerge from recession.

“I will continue working in keeping government spending under control, our regulations predictable, our legal system fair and our public schools accountable," concluded Gov. Perry.

AUSTIN - The Houston Realty Business Coalition (HRBC) has endorsed Gov. Perry for the general election in 2010.

“The Houston Realty Business Coalition is proud to support Gov. Rick Perry in his bid for re-election as governor of the great state of Texas,” said David Dominy, president of the Houston Realty Business Coalition. “Gov. Perry’s proven leadership is a clear example of why Texas leads the nation in job creation and has more Fortune 1000 companies than any other state. HRBC believes that Gov. Perry’s principled leadership, dedication, and hard work will continue to keep our state on the right path.”

Houston Realty Business Coalition, established in 1967, is a registered Political Action Committee (PAC) and is composed of over 275 businesses, political and professional leaders. The firms and individuals represent a wide variety of disciplines and interests that make up the diverse Houston-area real estate and development community. The organization was established to maintain lines of communication and encourages the election of those whose philosophy is attuned to one of the most precious and basic American rights: the rights associated with private ownership of property.

“It is a great honor to receive the Houston Realty Business Coalition endorsement,” said Gov. Perry. “Their effort to help establish property ownership serves as a foundation where homes and businesses can continue to flourish. Private property ownership is one of Texans’ most valued rights and I remain committed to protecting it.”

HOUSTON – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341 for re-election in 2010.

“Gov. Rick Perry continues to be a true friend of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341,” said Jeff Caynon, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341. “Throughout the years he has shown us commitment, trust and he has given his support by providing us the resources we need to keep Texans safe. We know Gov. Perry supports our willingness to protect our citizens, every day, in the face of danger. We are proud to endorse him for the November election.”

With over 3,800 brave and dedicated men and women, the Houston Fire Department is the 3rd largest fire department in the nation along with Local 341 being the 3rd largest Fire Fighter’s Union in the country. The Houston Fire Department serves over 617 square miles with 100 fire stations throughout the 4th largest city in the nation.

“I am honored to have the support from the brave men and women of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, who know firsthand the choices they have in this race, and am proud to have them on our team,” said Gov. Perry. “They put their lives in harm’s way on a daily basis to make sure our families and communities are safe. It is this devotion and valor that illustrates the best of what Texas has to offer.”

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of the Texas Motor Transportation Association (TMTA) Truck PAC for re-election in 2010.

“Gov. Perry’s clear vision and forward thinking has allowed Texas to be the most advantageous state in the nation,” said John Esparza, president and CEO of Texas Motor Transportation Association Truck PAC. The transportation infrastructure industry has flourished under his leadership and we know that because of Gov. Perry Texas will continue to grow economically.”

TMTA is a trade organization dedicated to advocating sound public policies, providing excellence in education and training, and promoting a safe, dependable and cost-effective motor transportation system to better serve the people of Texas. One out of every 14 people working in the private sector is employed in a trucking-related job, and 82 percent of Texas communities receive goods exclusively by truck.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Texas Motor Transportation Association Truck PAC and thankful for its effort to keep Texas moving forward,” said Gov. Perry. “The men and women that dedicate their lives to the trade we depend on are an essential component to our state’s economic engine. As Texas continues to grow by more than 1,000 people a day Texas Motor Transportation Association Truck PAC I remain committed to ensuring our state has what it needs to maintain a transportation infrastructure that will allow our businesses, families and economy to thrive.”

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of Council for Citizens Against Government Waste PAC for re-election in 2010.

“Gov. Perry has been a bright star on the political horizon,” said Tom Schatz, Chairman of the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste’s Political Action Committee. “His work on behalf of taxpayers in Texas has been a model of fiscal responsibility. Gov. Perry is the forward edge of a growing army of governors and state officials who have recognized that out-of-control spending is unsustainable and are taking the lead, showing us the way back to fiscal sanity in state budgeting.”

Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization representing more than one million members and supporters nationwide. CAGW's mission is to eliminate waste, mismanagement, and inefficiency in the federal government.

"I am proud of our state's record of balancing budgets, holding the line on spending and ensuring the good stewardship of taxpayer dollars," said Gov. Perry. "The endorsement of Citizens Against Government Waste PAC is further proof that Texas' approach to governance works, and I am honored to have their support. I will continue working with our state's leadership to maintain our principles of limited government, low taxes and restrained spending so that Texas can continue to be a leader in the national economy and an example for others to follow."

AUSTIN – Gov. Perry today received the endorsement of the Texas Association of Campground Owners for re-election.

“Rick Perry has exhibited great leadership during his tenure as governor and helped the campground industry thrive in the process,” said Texas Association of Campground Owners CEO Brian Schaeffer. “It is a pleasure endorsing Gov. Perry who has done an excellent job attracting more people to Texas than ever while keeping taxes and fees low.”

The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) represents nearly 400 private campgrounds and RV resorts in Texas. Started in 1972 by a group of five campground owners who felt there should be independent marketing and advocacy for the private park industry in Texas. Over the years, TACO has developed a significant consumer facing magazine with a distribution of 250,000, the most widely used website for RV parks and campgrounds in Texas, along with a presence in Austin to insure a positive consumer experience. The association also promotes Texas campgrounds in over 25 RV shows in the US and Canada.

“It is great to have the people of the Texas Association of Campground Owners represent resorts where Texans can visit with their families and friends and enjoy what the private park industry in Texas has to offer,” said Gov. Perry. “I am proud to receive the support of the Texas Association of Campground Owners, and I will continue to make sure they have the resources they need to flourish.”

AUSTIN – Today Gov. Perry received the endorsement of the Investigative and Security Professionals for Legislative Action for the 2010 general election.
“Gov. Perry has been a supporter of the professional investigation and security community for years and we are appreciative of his efforts,” said Peter Psarouthakis, chairman of the Investigative and Security Professionals for Legislative Action. “We look forward to our continued relationship with Gov. Perry.”

The mission of ISPLA is to monitor and identify critical legislative and regulatory issues in order to provide a forum for debate and discussion within the investigative and security professions and to serve as an advocate for these professions.
Their primary functions include reviewing proposed federal and state laws and regulations in order to identify critical issues; implementing action plans; serving as a resource to the profession, government and the media; providing a forum for debate and discussion within the investigative and security professions; conducting educational seminars and workshops; identifying third-party stakeholders with mutual interests and acting as their liaison to government; and creating and administering a bipartisan federal political action committee among other functions.

“The efforts of the people in the Investigative and Security Professionals for Legislative Action is crucial in making sure that our fellow Texans can have a safe place live, a good job and good education,” said Gov. Perry. “I am honored to receive their endorsement and I will continue to champion their efforts so that Texans can know that the quality and integrity of investigative and security professions are upheld.”