Farm Bureau Political Arm Backs Lubbock Congressman Neugebauer

Lubbock, TX, Avalanche-Journal ^ | 08-13-04 | Chandler, Cory

[Theodore R.]

Farm Bureau political arm backs Neugebauer BY CORY CHANDLER AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

The Texas Farm Bureau's political action arm endorsed U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, on Thursday in a move that may be indicative of the tough situation facing local producers due to congressional redistricting.

This is the first time the TFB's Friends of Agriculture Fund has not endorsed Neugebauer's opponent, U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, in a congressional race, said TFB and AGFUND President Kenneth Dierschke.

Dierschke described the decision as "very difficult."

"These are two friendly incumbents for us. We didn't want to be put in that situation, but we were because of redistricting," he said.

South Plains farmers have been painted into a tight corner by last year's overhaul of Texas' congressional map.

Whatever the outcome of November's election, the West Texas agriculture community will lose a face in Washington D.C.

"Agriculture has been put in an awkward situation because of redistricting," said Alan West, Lubbock County Farm Bureau president.

For many farmers, picking between 13-term Stenholm and freshman Neugebauer juxtaposes political ideology against traditional party affiliations, which is perhaps evident in AGFUND's endorsement.

AGFUND threw its weight behind Neugebauer during his first bid for District 19, just as it gave its nod to former District 19 U.S. Rep. Larry Combest before him.

Combest's sudden retirement in May 2003 opened the door for Neugebauer, who narrowly won the seat in a runoff against Midland contender Mike Conaway.

But AGFUND has also traditionally supported Stenholm, now the ranking member on the House Agriculture Committee.

Stenholm currently represents District 17, but was thrown into Neugebauer's district under Texas' new congressional map.

Despite the long-time support, a group of delegates representing 23 County Farm Bureaus in District 19 decided to grant Neugebauer the endorsement.

And while Dierschke said Neugebauer's stance on issues relating to taxes and farming weighed into the decision, AGFUND members also based their endorsement on the potential longevity of the candidates.

This reflects what West described as how support for the two candidates is beginning to shake out in the agriculture community.

He said older area producers will likely continue supporting Stenholm, adding that Stenholm's support is still strong and "very broad" in the Lubbock area. But many younger producers are interested in building a coalition around Neugebauer, he said.

"I do think some of the decision is based on individual perspective and how they (producers) foresee the future of the industry," he said.

AGFUND made its decision Tuesday during a meeting in Post. Both candidates had an opportunity to speak privately with the county representatives before the decision.

Neugebauer's camp takes the endorsement from Texas' largest farming organization — with about 371,000 members — as a sign that the agriculture community is leaning in the Lubbock candidate's direction. However, Stenholm dismissed this assertion through a written statement, saying TFB members will make independent decisions when they hit the polls. He pointed to the endorsements he has garnered, including being honored by the Leaders of American Agriculture.

"The most important endorsement I will receive will come from the voters of the 19th Congressional District," he said. "While I was disappointed not to receive the Texas Farm Bureau's official endorsement this time around, I am pleased by the support I already have from farmers and ranchers."

West said farmers and ranchers still have respect for Stenholm.

"It's a horrible situation for him (Stenholm) to be in," he said. "That man has spent 25 years being a voice for agriculture, and we have nothing but the utmost respect for him... this whole process has been ugly for us and ugly for West Texas."

cory.chandler@lubbockonline.com 766-8722

[JFC]

Randy is our guy. Stenholm's time has come and now to for him to go!