Independent Bankers Association of Texas Endorses Gov. Perry for Re-election

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) for re-election in 2010.

"We are pleased to again join the Perry team and offer our endorsement to publicly support his candidacy for reelection,” said Jimmy Rasmussen, IBAT Chairman. “Community banks play a key role in the economic vitality of this great state. Gov. Perry and his outstanding staff have an appreciation for and understanding of the importance of our issues and our sector of the industry."

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas was formed in 1974, and is focused on the exclusive representation of community banking. More than 2,000 community banks and branches in 700 Texas towns and cities enjoy the wide variety of membership services directed by some 250 volunteer leaders and an experienced, dedicated, and responsive staff with a combined experience of over 200 years of service to the financial industry.

“The members of IBAT are a crucial component to upholding our state’s strong economic foundation and I’m honored to receive their endorsement,” said Gov. Perry. “From keeping taxes low to maintaining a reasonable and predictable regulatory climate, Texas has taken the right steps to weather these challenging economic times better than just about any other state. I look forward to working with Texas community banks to uphold these principles, which will keep Texas strong and ensure its prosperous future.”

IBAT joins the following individuals and organizations in their endorsement of Gov. Perry for the general election:

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
Gov. and Mrs. Bill Clements
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin
Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani
Texas Alumni of President Ronald Reagan’s Administration
Republican Party of Texas Chair Cathie Adams
Texas Republican County Chairman Association President Linda Rogers
Heidi Group Founder Carol Everett
Texans for Life Coalition President Kyleen Wright
Conservative Republicans of Texas President Dr. Steve Hotze
Free Market Foundation President Kelly Shackelford
Americans for Prosperity State Director Peggy Venable
Texas Oil and Gas Association President Rob Looney
Concerned Women for America State Director Ann Hettinger
Energy Entrepreneur T. Boone Pickens
Justice at the Gate Founder Alice Patterson
Former Republican Party of Texas Chair Tina Benkiser
Eagle Forum Founder Phyllis Schlafly
Justice Foundation President Allan Parker, Jr.
Former Republican Party of Texas Chair Susan Weddington
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Bill Bennett
Family Research Council Action PAC Chairman Tony Perkins
WallBuilders President and Founder David Barton
Former Republican Party of Texas Chair George Strake
Vision America Founder Dr. Rick Scarborough
Republican National Committeeman Bill Crocker
Former Republican Party of Texas Chair Tom Pauken
Michael Reagan
Grover Norquist
Dr. James Dobson
Minutemen Project Founder Jim Gilchrist
Conservative Victory Committee President Brent Bozell
Texas Eagle Forum President Pat Carlson
Dr. Arthur B. Laffer