 When’s the last time someone encouraged you to vote for Democrats and Republicans? It’s not the typical election advice. And yet, that’s exactly the position Texas REALTORS® take.
Most people want to label candidates without looking too closely at the issues. REALTORS® are just the opposite. They don’t give a hoot what party a politician belongs to. In fact, I heard many leaders of the Texas Association of REALTORS® at their recent Winter Meeting held in Austin say just that. They like to call themselves members of the REALTOR® party.
That’s easy to say, but you may wonder where the proof is. OK, how about this? For the March 4 Texas primary, the Texas Association of REALTORS® and its political action committee have endorsed 22 Republicans and 14 Democrats. Granted, those numbers aren’t exactly a 50/50 split. But I have no doubt the tally could have just as easily been 22 Democrats and 14 Republicans. Actually, there’s no breakdown that would surprise me. It could be 100% for one political party or 100% the other. That’s my point – party affiliation makes no difference at all.
So how do Texas REALTORS® choose a candidate? Flip a coin? Hardly. They scrutinize politicians for their stances on issues of importance to Texas REALTORS® and property owners. They look for people with a record of, or interest in, protecting private-property rights. They back candidates who favor the free enterprise system.
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Texas REALTORS® actually take the time to interview candidates, press them on their views. Ultimately, they support those who want to make homeownership more affordable and cut the reliance on overly high property taxes. Texas REALTORS® care deeply – and only – about issues that affect the real estate industry and property owners.
I might need to clarify that last statement. Individually, REALTORS® pay attention to other issues that have nothing to do with land, homes, and buildings. They’re just like all voters in that regard. But as a group, the Texas Association of REALTORS® does not take into consideration a candidate’s position on abortion, gay marriage, or any of the other divisive and highly charged issues of the day.
Texas REALTORS® back up their decisions of political support with money and grassroots efforts. Many of those in the know at the state Capitol call the Texas Association of REALTORS® the most influential association in the state for precisely that reason.
If you want to support candidates who believe in the importance of keeping homeownership affordable, you can look at the Texas Association of REALTORS® endorsements. (While you can only vote in one primary, you don’t have to vote a straight-party ticket when the general election gets here in November.) Whether real estate issues influence your vote or not, I hope you will go to the polls. Before you go, you would do well to take one lesson from Texas REALTORS®: Don’t worry too much about whether a D or R follows the candidate’s name.
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