U.S. Chamber Endorses Kinzinger for Congress

Engstrom Pledges Chamber’s ‘Strong Support’ for Candidate with a ‘Record of Fighting for Businesses’

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of former McLean County Commissioner and Iraq War veteran Adam Kinzinger for Congress in Illinois’ 11th Congressional District, praising his commitment to supporting the state’s businesses and workers.

“We’re endorsing Adam Kinzinger because of his commitment to standing up for the hard working people of central Illinois,” said Rob Engstrom, the U.S. Chamber's vice president for political affairs and federation relations. “Kinzinger is a true American hero who will be an invaluable leader on important business issues in Washington. We’re confident that when he gets to Congress, Kinzinger will best represent Illinois businesses and help get our economy back on track.”

“Debbie Halvorson, on the other hand, has a record of failure on issues critical to our economic recovery,” he said. “She voted for a job killing tax on energy, supported a government takeover of the health care system, and was a co-sponsor of card check legislation, an undemocratic attempt to strip workers rights to a private ballot election. Votes, not words, are what matter most to the business community and her record is antagonistic to creating jobs and getting Illinois back to work.”

The U.S. Chamber plans to play a major role nationwide in the 2010 elections, endorsing candidates who have demonstrated support for business priorities and will work to advance a pro-growth agenda in Congress. In 2008, 213 of the 265 Chamber-endorsed candidates (81%) were elected.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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