Ohio Chamber of Commerce Endorsements in Nine GOP Primary Races

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COLUMBUS, OH – In a busy primary election that features contested primaries in 31 state legislative districts, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (OCCPaC) has announced its support for nine candidates in the March 4 primary. OCCPaC is the political action committee of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio's largest and most diverse statewide business advocacy group.

According to Keith A. Lake, Director of Political and Candidate Education for the Chamber, the OCCPaC-endorsed candidates all share a strong understanding of the competitive forces, regulatory demands, and economic challenges faced every day by Ohio employers, and would be responsive to the concerns of the business community.

“Given the current economic environment, it's important to evaluate the candidates and try to determine what they believe about important issues affecting Ohio employers, jobs, and our business climate,” said Lake. “We are confident each of our endorsed candidates will be effective advocates for both the businesses and citizens of Ohio as we all work to sharpen our competitive edge and grow our economy.”

Ohio Chamber staff and members met with dozens of candidates and evaluated them on the basis of voting records (if currently a legislator), candidate questionnaire responses, local business community support, and political viability.

After reviewing the candidates in each of the contested primaries, the Ohio Chamber PAC endorsed the following candidates:

OHIO SENATE DISTRICT 2 – MARK WAGONER (R-Ottawa Hills)
A leader while in the Ohio House, Wagoner also assembled an outstanding 100 percent pro-business voting record during his three-plus years in the Ohio legislature.

OHIO SENATE DISTRICT 10 – CHRIS WIDENER (R-Springfield)
Widener, owner of an architectural practice, has compiled a perfect 100 percent pro-business voting record during his time in the Ohio House. Also was the primary sponsor of an important lawsuit reform bill that passed in 2004.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 2 – KRIS JORDAN (R-Powell)
Strengthening Ohio’s economy is the focus of Jordan’s campaign, and as a Delaware County commissioner he worked to reduce excessive government spending. Jordan also helped spearhead the creation of innovative economic development tools for the county.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 3 – RON AMSTUTZ (R-Wooster)
Amstutz has built an impressive track record of working to create a positive business climate, as demonstrated by his 94 percent pro-business voting record during his time in the Ohio legislature.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 30 – BOB MECKLENBORG (R-Cincinnati)
Of the candidates running for this seat, Mecklenborg has the best mix of qualities that make for an outstanding legislator. The broad support he is receiving from local employers underscores his commitment to the issues important to Ohio employers, and the Chamber believes he will make these issues his chief concern as a legislator.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 35 – JOHN RABENOLD (R-Indian Hill)
Rabenold is the only candidate in the race for whom business issues appear to be the top priority and he enjoys strong support from the statewide and local business communities. In addition, he possesses valuable legislative experience as an aide to a former president of the Ohio Senate.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 79 – RICHARD ADAMS (R-Troy)
A former Miami County Commissioner, Adams demonstrates a strong understanding of and commitment to the issues important to Ohio employers.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 81 – JEFF WAGNER (R-Sycamore)
Wagner, who has owned and operated a family farm in Seneca County for more than 25 years, has a cumulative pro-business voting record of 97 percent during his time in the Ohio House.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 90 – TOM WHISTON (R-Mt. Gilead)
Whiston, a pharmacist and owner of Whiston Pharmacy in Mt. Gilead, has 25 years of business experience. The Ohio House will benefit greatly from the kind of knowledge and private sector experience that he possesses.

The Ohio Chamber has been the voice in Columbus for business for more than a century, aggressively championing free enterprise, economic competitiveness and growth for the benefit of all Ohioans. Chamber members include thousands of individual job providers that are the economic engine for Ohio's communities, schools and families.