Chamber Highlights Successful Pro-Business Election Effort

Business GOTV Behind Mid-Term Election Victories

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce devoted manpower and money in key U.S. House and Senate races in a successful effort to elect pro-business candidates — putting 50 people on the ground in 32 states, sending 2 million pieces of mail, and placing 1 million phone calls, as well as placing election-day turnout calls in four key states.

"Our candidates won because our issues are the ones that matter to voters," said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue. "We took a page from our opponent's playbook and made sure every voter knew where the candidates stood on our issues."

Early returns indicate that 266 of the 294 Chamber-endorsed candidates for office were elected yesterday, with four races still undecided. The Chamber devoted significant additional efforts in 10 close Senate races and 27 House races — working with its member affiliates to hold fundraisers, educate voters, organize get-out-the-vote efforts, launch a Web-based tool to inform and motivate employees, and leverage broader support for its candidates. The early returns show wins in 22 of the 27 House races and 8 of the 10 Senate races.

"This is victory for American business owners, workers, retirees and their families - who know that a pro-business Congress means a pro-growth economic future," said Donohue. "The voters have elected a Congress that will keep taxes low, rein in trial lawyers, and improve opportunities for U.S. businesses around the world."

The Chamber's Institute for Legal Reform worked closely with local chambers and supporters of common-sense civil justice reform to educate the public on the importance of having state judges and attorneys general who enforce the rule of law with integrity and impartiality.

"The election of as many as 17 attorney general and State Supreme Court justice candidates who are committed to a reasonable and balanced liability system will mean continued strides to make state legal systems fairer for everyone," said Donohue.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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