Election 2010

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today joined members of the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters (TSAFF) at the Central Fire Station in Austin to accept their endorsement for his re-election in the 2010 general election.

“I am honored to earn the endorsement of the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters which is a reflection of our shared vision for Texas where brave, hardworking people are free to follow their dreams and live a life of significance,” said Gov. Perry. “A safe, civil society needs men and women like these standing here with me today to go in harm’s way when life turns tragic and Texas firefighters are the best of the lot.”

In his remarks, the governor also recognized the sacrifices made by first responders on 9/11 and honored those who put their own safety on the line to ensure the safety of Texans throughout the threat posed in the wake of Tropical Storm Hermine’s impact on Texas.

“Gov. Rick Perry has consistently supported the issues relating to public safety, and has been a dedicated advocate of health and safety for professional fire fighters and EMS workers across Texas,” said Guy Turner, president of TSAFF. "For his long friendship and support, the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, representing almost 16,000 fire fighters and emergency medical workers in 170 jurisdictions is proud to endorse Governor Rick Perry in his bid for re-election.”

The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters was established in 1938 and it is Texas’ only professional, career fire fighters organization, representing over 15,000 fire fighter members and 169 affiliate locals. They are affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters.

FORT WORTH – Gov. Rick Perry today joined members of the Texas Association of Manufacturers at the Justin’s Boots distribution center in Fort Worth to accept their endorsement for his re-election in the 2010 general election.

“Earning the endorsement of Texas manufacturers is a true honor when you consider the crucial contribution they make to our state,” said Gov. Perry. “They are the driving force behind our ranking as the nation’s top exporting state for the last eight years, responsible for 95 percent of these exports, and I look forward to working with them to ensure we maintain our economic momentum well into the future.”

In his remarks, Gov. Perry highlighted the strength of the Texas manufacturing center and its important contribution to our state’s strong economy, which continues to create jobs, even in the midst of the challenging national economy. Texas is one of only five states to add manufacturing jobs in each of the first six months of 2010, while the state collectively added more than 168,000 new jobs since the beginning of this year, more than any other state. More than 800,000 Texans are employed in manufacturing making the highest average wages of any Texas industry sector.

The governor also spoke against the misguided policies of Washington, which seek to overturn our clean air program, despite the fact that it has made Texas a national leader in cleaning the air, putting thousands of jobs in our state at risk. Since 2000, Texas has reduced ozone levels by 22 percent and NOx gas emissions by 53 percent, without imposing burdensome mandates or taxes.

“Unfortunately, our state, our employers and our citizens remain in Washington’s crosshairs as the Obama administration seemingly spends time brainstorming new ways to undermine our success,” said Gov. Perry. "Have they thought for a moment of the jobs that will be affected by their overreaching? In my mind, it goes back to Washington wanting to be the be-all, end-all answer to every question, whether or not anyone has asked it. Thankfully Texas, with our emphasis on personal freedom and responsibility, remains the place where people can pursue their dreams and really make something of their lives.”

"Texas has no stronger advocate for economic development and job creation than Gov. Perry," said Warren Mayberry, chairman of the Texas Association of Manufacturers Action Committee. "His efforts to create a friendly business climate have allowed Texas manufacturers to thrive, creating the jobs Texans need to succeed and maintaining our state's position as the number one exporter in the nation for the eighth year in a row. We are proud to endorse Gov. Perry's re-election and look forward to working with him to ensure Texas remains at the forefront of the global economy.”

TAM represents more than 400 large and small companies from every manufacturing sector, employing more than 940,000 Texans with an average compensation of $79,000 a year (the highest in the private sector). Texas manufacturers contribute $158.8 billion in 2009 to the Texas economy and one-third of all corporate taxes collected by state and local governments. Manufactured goods account for 93 percent of all Texas exports and Texas has held the distinction as the number one exporting state in the U.S. for eight consecutive years.

AUSTIN – The Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association (TACA) today announced the endorsement of its board of directors for Gov. Perry’s re-election campaign.

“On behalf of the more than 120,000 men and women who work in the aggregates, cement, and concrete industries in Texas, we proudly endorse Gov. Perry for re-election,” said Victor Lattimore, TACA Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman. “Gov. Perry’s pro-growth vision of creating jobs is what Texas needs to continue sustaining our economic growth and provide our industry the materials needed to build roads, bridges, homes and schools. We know something about building on a good foundation, and we believe Gov. Perry is the right leader to build a brighter future for the people of Texas.”

TACA is a statewide trade organization representing more than 350 member companies and 120,000 employees. TACA companies are responsible for approximately 85 percent of the aggregate mined and concrete produced in Texas each year, and 100 percent of the cement produced and sold in the state.

“Thanks to the members and stakeholders of the Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association, Texas has established a strong foundation that allows us to face the challenges during these economic times,” said Gov. Perry. “Through their efforts, these men and women have become a vital component in developing and maintaining Texas’ growing infrastructure. I am proud to receive TACA’s support and I will continue to ensure their industry is upheld so that they have the tools they need to continue to build the infrastructure that will sustain our growing population.”

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of the Texas Organization of Residential Care Homes for re-election in 2010.

“As the only Texas-based assisted living association, we are proud to endorse Gov. Rick Perry for re-election,” said Jordan Berry, Texas Organization of Residential Care Homes director of government relations. “Gov. Perry has continued to be a true advocate in protecting small businesses from frivolous lawsuits, which then empowers our caregivers to spend more time focusing on residents and their quality of life. It is also very important that our residents have their privacy and freedoms preserved, and we know that Gov. Perry works hard work to protect those rights.”

The mission of the Texas Organization of Residential Care Homes is to promote and implement the highest quality service and care to residents of assisted living and residential care homes throughout Texas. Texas Organization of Residential Care Homes is the only Texas-based assisted living association in the state, representing hundreds of small business owners and thousands of Texans throughout the state.

“The small business owners of the Texas Organization of Residential Care Homes not only represent the people who strengthen our state’s economy through these challenging economic times, but also those who provide the quality care our loved ones deserve later in life,” said Gov. Perry. “I’m proud to receive Texas Organization of Residential Care Homes’ endorsement and I look forward to working with them to ensure Texans continue to receive the highest quality care and living assistance.”

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of the Medical Defense PAC (MD PAC) for re-election in 2010.

“Eight years ago there was a medical liability crisis in Texas. It was quickly turning into a full-blown catastrophe – frivolous lawsuits were mounting and claims losses were off the charts,” said Dr. Howard Marcus, chair of the Medical Defense PAC. “Gov. Perry pledged to make medical liability reform his priority and an emergency issue in the Texas legislature. Gov. Perry’s position has never wavered and tort reform remains entirely intact. He made good on that pledge and in the years since tort reform passed.”

Since Texas implemented lawsuit reforms in 2003, the number of doctors applying to practice in Texas has increased 60 percent and 17,625 doctors either returned to practice in Texas or began practicing here for the first time. This increase has brought critical specialties to underserved areas of the state. Ten new insurance carriers have also entered the Texas market, contributing to a 27 percent decrease in doctors’ insurance premiums.

“I am thankful for the members of the Medical Defense PAC and their dedication to improving Texans’ lives,” said Gov. Perry. “The Texas Medical Defense PAC group doesn’t just care for patients’ well being; they care for patients’ rights and those people who care for them. We can’t let trial lawyers back in control of our health care with their frivolous lawsuits. I am truly honored to receive their endorsement for my candidacy and I will continue to embrace their efforts and uphold my commitment to help keep Texas moving forward.”

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today joined doctors of the Texas Medical Association at the Austin Regional Clinic to accept the TEXPAC Board’s endorsement of the his re-election campaign. TEXPAC is the political arm of the Texas Medical Association.

“It is a real honor to earn the endorsement of the Texas Medical Association, a group of men and women who have devoted their lives to the study and practice of helping others,” said Gov. Perry. Their support is a great encouragement to me, and an affirmation that we’re on the right track. Whether you consider our state’s status as the nations’ leading job creator or the example we’ve set with our reformed legal system, Texas is headed in the right direction.”

In his remarks, the governor highlighted the success of medical malpractice reform, also called tort reform, in Texas. Since Texas implemented lawsuit reforms in 2003, the number of doctors applying to practice in Texas has increased 60 percent and 17,625 doctors either returned to practice in Texas or began practicing here for the first time. This increase has brought critical specialties to underserved areas of the state. Ten new insurance carriers have also entered the Texas market, contributing to a 27 percent decrease in doctors’ insurance rates.

Gov. Perry also noted the contrast between Texas’ approach to state based health care solutions versus the federal government’s approach, which has ignored the importance of tort reform efforts, seeks to insert the government into the crucial relationship between people and their doctors, and violates Americans’ freedom by forcing them to purchase healthcare insurance.

“Unfortunately, the liberal left got the upper hand in the halls of power in Washington and pushed through healthcare regulation that violates that key tenet of the medical profession: first, do no harm,” the governor said. “With your support, we’ll have the chance to carry the fight forward against misguided health care legislation, and continue to emphasize and defend patient-centered care in Texas.”

“The TEXPAC Board endorsed Gov. Perry because he understands the critical importance of the patient-physician bond, and he is dedicated to protecting it,” said TEXPAC District Chair Dawn C. Buckingham, MD. “We are excited about working with him through the 2010 election and the 82nd Texas Legislature.”

TEXPAC speaks on behalf of nearly 44,000 Texas physicians and medical students, and nearly 8,000 alliance members. Organized in 1962, TEXPAC is one of the oldest political action committees in Texas. TEXPAC also is one of the largest bipartisan PACs in the state and ranks first in size among other state medical association PACs.