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Merritt to Run for Agriculture Commissioner

Posted/updated on: October 20, 2013 at 5:32 am
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tommy merritt-2KILGORE — Former East Texas State Representative Tommy Merritt has announced he will be a candidate for the Republican nomination for Texas agriculture commissioner. That’s according to the Kilgore News-Herald. “After months of canvassing the state, I am flattered and encouraged by the overwhelming support I have received from across the state to take this important step,” Merritt said. “Texas needs an agriculture Commissioner who understands what farmers and ranchers are facing in these tough economic times.” Merritt has spent his entire life working in and around agriculture. “I’m no newcomer wannabe looking for a temporary job on the political career ladder,” he said. “This is an opportunity for me to bring the state what I know best – the needs of farmers, ranchers and landowners.”

The Gregg County Republican Party Chairman is one of the first to publicly endorse Merritt’s campaign. “Having land in East Texas and West Texas, he is familiar with the needs of farmers and ranchers across the whole State of Texas, which is what is needed for the Texas Agriculture Commissioner,” said Dr. Keith A Rothra, chairman of the county Republican party. “Tommy will make an excellent Agriculture Commissioner and I support his decision to run for this crucial office.” Merritt said he will make a formal announcement in the coming weeks.

Besides Merritt, here’s the full field of candidates, according to politics1.com:

J. Allen Carnes (R) – Uvalde Mayor, Farmer & Businessman
Sid Miller (R) – Ex-State Rep., Nurseryman & Rancher
Eric Opiela (R) – Attorney, Rancher & Ex-State GOP Executive Director
Kinky Friedman (D) – Country Music Singer, Author, ’10 Candidate & ’06 Gov. Candidate
Rocky Palmquist (Libertarian) – ’10 Bastrop County Commission Candidate
Billy Engle Jr. (Write-In) – ’10 St. Rep. Candidate & ’12 US Rep. Candidate



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