Chet Edwards For Congress

August 24, 2006
U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business Endorse Edwards

WACO - Congressman Chet Edwards officially received the endorsement of both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) today. Both groups are national grassroots business organizations with numerous local members who based their endorsements on Edwards’ proven pro-business record in Congress and the 17th District.

The endorsements represent a blow to the Van Taylor campaign since both nonpartisan organizations generally endorse Republicans, including Arlene Wohlgemuth in 2004.

“Central Texas businesses have a true friend in Chet Edwards. A fiscal conservative with a background in business, Chet has supported businesses and job growth in America by voting to reduce unfair taxes and regulation on businesses while also strongly supporting private property rights,” said Peter Havel, regional executive director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, and has recognized Edwards with their “Spirit of Enterprise” award the past two years in a row for his leadership in Congress fighting for jobs and business.

“Few issues are more important to small business than reducing the costs of health care and we are very grateful to Chet Edwards for his support of the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005.
As a business school graduate and a former businessman in commercial real estate and the radio business, Chet understands business and has earned a reputation for helping small businesses cut through government red tape,” said Will Newton, Texas State Director for NFIB.

The NFIB is the country’s largest small and independent businesses advocacy organization. Their members range from high-tech manufacturers to farmers.

“As someone with extensive local business experience, I know Chet is fighting in Congress for us. Chet has always put the needs of this district above partisan politics, working to improve our roads and infrastructure, which in turn makes our area more attractive to new business and new jobs,” said William L. Clifton Jr., principal at The Clifton Group in Waco.

“I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber and the NFIB for my pro-business voting record and hard work to attract jobs and businesses to our district. These endorsements are one more reason why we are going to win in November,” said Edwards. “Fighting for economic growth for our country and jobs for our district has always been a top priority of mine and I look forward to continuing the fight in Congress next year.”

In addition, the Texas Business Association’s political action committee, BACPAC, also announced its endorsement of Edwards.

“BACPAC enthusiastically endorses Representative Chet Edwards (TX-17) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives,” TAB BACPAC spokesperson Bill Hammond said. “With over 20 years experience on the state and federal levels, Edwards is a strong public policy leader committed to reducing government waste, creating more jobs and expanding the economic opportunities of all Texans. With a long legacy of championing the issues that matter the most, Edwards is a vital to the continued success of this state.”

Endorsements are being announced at four events throughout the 17th District – in Waco and Bryan/College Station on Thursday, August 24th, and in Cleburne and Granbury on Friday, August 25th.

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