The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Bradley Byrne in the Republican primary run-off for Alabama’s 1st Congressional District yesterday. Today the Byrne campaign added ringing endorsements from prominent Alabama business leaders and trade associations.
“Washington needs proven leaders who understand the principles of free enterprise,” said Rob Engstrom, Political Director & Senior Vice-President, US Chamber of Commerce. “The choice in Alabama’s first congressional district is clear; Bradley Byrne is the proven conservative whose pro-growth record has earned him the support of the local business community. The U.S. Chamber is proud to stand with him in his campaign for U.S. Congress.”
Byrne told Yellowhammer that he hopes to work closely with the Chamber to push back against the Obama Administration’s assault on the free-market.
“I’ve spent my entire career, both in the private sector and through public service, dedicated to economic development in Southwest Alabama,” Byrne said. “As a member of the Board for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce & the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, I’m honored to receive the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to joining their fight against overreaching government regulations and continue promoting free-enterprise solutions.”
Today, other business groups and local leaders joined the Chamber in backing Byrne.
Byrne has received support from numerous business and trade associations, including Alabama Automobile Dealers Association of Alabama, Alabama Association of REALTORS, Alabama Retail Association, Alabama Associated General Contractors, Associated Builders & Contractors of Alabama, Alabama Roadbuilders Association, Alabama Homebuilders Association, Alabama Bankers Association, and the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives.
Below are quotes from some of the groups backing Byrne’s candidacy for Congress:
Bradley Byrne had an outstanding pro-business voting record in the Alabama Senate, and we know he will fight for small businesses in Washington. In the legislature, Bradley sponsored bills to end lawsuit abuse in Alabama, and we know he will take that fight to our nation’s capital.
– Tal Vickers, President of Springhill Toyota in Mobile and Director of the Automobile Dealers Association of Alabama, Inc.
Bradley Byrne is a long-time friend of the home building industry and he has the proven leadership needed to move our economy forward. As a home builder and a resident of Baldwin County, I have the utmost respect and appreciation for everything he has done for our district in the past and confidence that he will continue to make us proud as he represents us in Washington.
– Cliff Pitman, Pitman-Brown Building Co., Past-President of Homebuilders Association of Alabama
Bradley Byrne is a proven leader and the best candidate to represent the 1st Congressional District in Washington. He has been a friend to retail and is a friend of mine. The Alabama Retail Association and I support Bradley and ask the retail community to vote for Bradley Byrne on Nov. 5.
– Denise Knox, owner and president of Fairhope-based Private Gallery Inc. & a member of the Alabama Retail Association board of directors.
I’ve known Bradley Byrne and his late brother Dale Byrne for over 50 years. I can tell you Bradley is a man of integrity and character, and will represent South Alabama with pride and honor. Bradley has worked with us on road projects and on issues affecting our business so we can increase jobs and improve our infrastructure here in South Alabama.
– Paul E. Weaver, President of Hosea O. Weaver & Sons, Inc., Member of Alabama Road Builders Association
I’ve known Bradley Byrne for over 30 years through church and civic activities. I can attest to his honesty and deep integrity. He has always been a strong leader for REALTORS and Homeowners during his time as a public servant in Alabama. In Congress, I know Bradley will fight for Alabama Homeowners and REALTORS alike. Bradley is just what we need in Washington, and I’m proud that he has been endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS.
– Richard Weavil, President at Weavil Company, Alabama Association of REALTORS
Byrne throughout his campaign has said that recent economic development successes have positioned South Alabama for a “magic moment” — a chance to capitalize on the momentum and promote further job creation in the region.
“Our next Congressman must play a vital role in continuing South Alabama’s economic success,” he said. “From Airbus to Austal, this is a magic moment for our area and my #1 focus in Washington will be promoting and creating jobs here in Alabama’s First District. I’m honored to receive the support of those who know business best, and pledge to work every day to make South Alabama a better place to run a business and promote job creation.”
The special runoff election between Republicans Bradley Byrne and Dean Young is set to take place Tuesday, Nov. 5.
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