State and National Anglers Endorse Gov. Perry for Re-election

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has received the endorsement of both the Texas and national chapters of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) for the 2010 general election.

“Gov. Perry has proven himself a strong ally of sportsmen through his efforts to push back against unnecessary federal regulations upon anglers, while also effectively protecting the environment,” said Robert T. Healey, chairman of the RFA. “His efforts have kept Texas a top destination for outdoor recreation and we are proud to endorse him in his re-election campaign.”

“While the federal government seeks to impose burdensome, unnecessary mandates upon the angling industry through shortened seasons and bag limits, Gov. Perry has sought to balance the need between protecting our sport as well as the environment,” said Jim Smarr, chairman of Texas RFA. “His leadership over our state has made Texas a place where any individual from any background can take hold of opportunity and find success. We are proud of his ongoing support of Texas anglers, particularly his efforts to support the federal flexibility in the Magnuson Act, and are pleased to endorse his re-election effort.”

The RFA was the first national, grassroots political action organization established to represent the rights of recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. Their mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our nation's saltwater fisheries.

“Recreational angling is a crucial component to our state’s thriving tourism industry and an important part of Texas’ culture and heritage,” said Gov. Perry. “I understand the challenges that Texas anglers face in light of a federal government that mistakenly seeks to solve just about every issue with more mandates and higher taxes. I am eager to continue working with the angling community to find practical solutions to the challenges they face and helping ensure the reasonable regulation of their industry. I’m honored to receive their support in this election.”

The Texas and national chapters of the Recreational Fishing Alliance join the following organizations in their endorsement of Gov. Perry in the general election:

Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas PAC
Associated General Contractors of America Texas Building Branch PAC
Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas
Automotive Parts and Services Association
Boating Trades Association of Texas PAC
Career Colleges and Schools of Texas
“C” Club of Houston
Independent Bankers Association of Texas
Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas
Pasadena Police Officer’s Union
Sheriff Arvin West, Hudspeth County
Sheriff Clint McDonald, Terrell County
Sheriff Danny Dominguez, Presidio County
Sheriff Eusevio Salinas, Zavala County
Sheriff Rene Fuentes, Starr County
Sheriff Rick McIvor, Jeff Davis County
Sheriff Ronny Dodson, Brewster County
Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez Jr., Zapata County
Sheriff Thomas Herrera, Maverick County
Southwest Movers Association
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association PAC
Texas Apartment Association
Texas Association for Interior Design
Texas Association of Business BACPAC
Texas Association of Licensed Investigators
Texas Beverage Association
Texas Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
Texas Chiropractic Association
Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association PAC
Texas Economic Development Council PAC
Texas Home School Coalition PAC
Texas Locksmiths Association
Texas Municipal Police Association
Texas Nursery and Landscape Association PAC
Texas Ophthalmological Association
Texas Optometric Association PAC
Texas Pest Control Association
Texas Pharmacy Business Council
Texas Podiatric Medical Association
Texas Process Servers Association
Texas Quarter Horse Association
Texas Recreational Vehicle Association
Texas Retailers Association PAC
Texas Society of Anesthesiologists PAC
Texas Society of Professional Engineers
Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas PAC