U.S. Chamber Endorses Whitman for California Governor

‘Political Balance in Sacramento is Essential to Controlling Government Growth and Creating Jobs,’ Says Donohue

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas Donohue issued the following statement today announcing the U.S. Chamber’s endorsement of Meg Whitman for California Governor:

“Few electoral contests this November are as important to the nation’s economy as the race for California Governor.

“California is teetering on the edge of a fiscal and economic collapse. More than 12 percent of California workers are unemployed. The state faces chronic budget deficits, unmet infrastructure needs, inferior public schools, and hundreds of billions of dollars in unfunded public employee pension obligations. Job-killing taxes, regulations, and lawsuit abuse have damaged the state’s business climate and dulled its competitive edge.

“With one party enjoying lopsided control of the state legislature, California’s choice for Governor in 2010 is critical. Without political balance in Sacramento, there would be few restraints on the state’s already enormous appetite to tax, spend, borrow, regulate, and sue. This would be a severe blow to the economic prospects of California and the nation as a whole.

“Given the need for balance in Sacramento as well as extraordinary economic challenges facing California, there is only one viable choice for Governor in 2010—Meg Whitman.

“Throughout her career as a successful business leader, Whitman has demonstrated the courage, creativity, and independence needed to tackle the immense challenges that await the next governor. She understands that in a fiercely competitive global economy, California cannot tax, borrow, and spend its way back to jobs and prosperity. During the campaign, she has taken on politically tough issues, outlining reforms in pensions, schools, and the state workforce. She will stand up to the entrenched interests when necessary while also drawing people together to solve problems—a skill she honed in the business world.

“Most importantly, Meg Whitman possesses the kind of real-world business experience that is needed to create new California jobs.

“A number of U.S. Chamber members have told us that as Attorney General, Jerry Brown has treated the business community fairly. His long career in public service has earned our respect. Yet Brown’s latest campaign has been significantly bankrolled by public employee unions, because they know that he shares their views and priorities. Philosophically, Brown would be aligned with the legislative majority, which would deny California the political balance that is essential to controlling government growth and creating private sector jobs.

“Brown has not offered a credible plan to control state spending and personnel, which must be done to close California’s chronic deficits. His cleverly worded pledge of “no new taxes without voter approval” signals an intention to pursue business and upper income tax hikes through ballot propositions—since these would be the only tax increases with any chance of winning voter approval. California is already a high-tax state and cannot afford to drive away any more businesses, jobs, or successful entrepreneurs.

“Though his campaign is working hard to rewrite history, the facts show that California was in a mess by the time Brown left office as Governor. The state was out of cash and on the verge of issuing IOUs to pay its bills. Businesses and jobs were fleeing and 11 percent of the workforce was unemployed. California voters rendered their own verdict on Brown’s gubernatorial performance when they handily rejected his bid to move from the statehouse to the U.S. Senate in 1982—a year in which other Democrats were being swept into office across the nation.

“California cannot risk or afford a rerun of that performance at such a critical time. California needs new ideas and fresh leadership. Meg Whitman is the candidate who can bring positive change to the Golden State and put Californians back to work.”

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.

# # #