By Thomas Warren III, Editor-in-Chief

Fifteen Republicans are entering the arena on March 3rd in hopes of claiming the Republican nomination to replace U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon). This race has included much of what you would expect in an Amarillo congressional race. Mailboxes have been filling up with literature, televisions have been displaying candidate ads, and yard signs featuring bold fonts with names like EKSTROM, WINEGARNER, SNIDER, JACKSON, and HAYS have been appearing in yards across the area.

Endorsements have also been showing up for candidates in this race. Several candidates are featuring endorsements from elected officials and political groups. Endorsements have rolled in from individuals ranging from former Trump Administration officials to city council members. Groups represented include conservative organizations, professional groups, and unions.

Also, one potentially troubling endorsement has been received by one of these candidates.

Texas Cattle Feeders Association industry affairs director Josh Winegarner received an endorsement from Amarillo Matters PAC last week. The group announced the endorsement in a blog post on its website, encouraging its small group of supporters to back Winegarner in the March 3rd primary.

That, my friends, is a problem.

I do not personally know Mr. Winegarner and I do not know his association with this group, so I cannot speak to that issue. Although, it should be noted that both Mr. Winegarner and Amarillo Matters use the same political consultant in Murphy Naisca. I am very familiar with Amarillo Matters itself and have seen its dirty tactics play out across multiple election cycles. I have seen the smears this group has performed on candidates using quotes taken out of context and seizing on issues that ordinarily would not matter to voters if not for the scare tactics the group employs. I have also seen how Amarillo Matters has used its warchest to fuel the flames of tribalism in the community and the region, encouraging voters to adopt an “us versus them” mentality to score cheap electoral victories.

It is my opinion that Amarillo Matters is the epitome of the worst special interest groups. Its endorsement should not be worn as a badge of honor by any candidate and often isn’t as candidates frequently adopt an oblivious mentality when Amarillo Matters begins its attacks on their targeted rivals. The endorsement from this group should be more of a liability than an asset for candidates and it seems that it is already viewed this way among grassroots voters.

I say all of this to encourage voters to recognize Amarillo Matters throwing its weight around in this election. If you are not supportive of dangerous special interest groups buying elections and lobbyists speaking for the political elites over regular citizens, then you should take note of this endorsement and consider if voters should allow Amarillo Matters and its small group of donors to buy more government influence than it already has gained.

If you were planning to vote for Mr. Winegarner, but you also believe the people should speak louder than the political elites and the lobbyists, then you might want to reconsider your vote on March 3rd.