June 25, 2013 2:22 PM

ERIC OPIELA ANNOUNCES RUN FOR AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER

The former RPT Executive Director and current SREC member reminds all with his campaign kickoff announcement that he is also a fifth-generation South Texas rancher

From the press release announcing his candidacy:

"Today Eric Opiela, a fifth generation South Texas rancher, Republican leader and property rights advocate, announced his intention to seek the office of Texas Agriculture Commissioner. The seat is being vacated by Commissioner Todd Staples, who is seeking the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor.

“'Right now the agriculture community and rural Texas are under assault from federal regulators who want to dictate how we use our land. Our farmers and ranchers, whose work accounts for ten percent of our state’s economy, are excellent stewards of their land. I’m running for Agriculture Commissioner to serve as a voice of our ranchers, farmers and landowners and stand up against the liberals and bureaucrats from Washington, D.C.'