U.S. Chamber endorses Hurt

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday its endorsement of Republican state Sen. Robert Hurt in the 5th District race against Democrat Rep. Tom Perriello and independent Jeff Clark.

Bill Miller, the U.S. Chamber’s senior vice president, praised Hurt’s commitment to job creation and “record of standing up for the people of Virginia” in a news release.

According to the release, the organization plans to play a major role in the 2010 midterm elections.

“(Hurt) will be an invaluable leader who has a common sense approach to job creation and getting America back on the road to recovery,” Miller said in a statement.

“On issues ranging from competition in the health care industry, to lowering taxes, to reducing energy costs, businesses and workers in Virginia’s 5th district will have a tireless advocate in Robert Hurt,” Miller said.

The release indirectly touted Hurt’s opposition to the health care reform law, calling him a strong proponent of “sensible” reform who believes people and businesses “deserve more choice in their health care options.”

The U.S. Chamber also praised Hurt’s support of competitive tax rates for businesses and protecting workers’ rights.

In a statement, Hurt reiterated his support for private sector growth.

“I believe that in order to put our economy on the path toward a true recovery, we must work to create sustainable private sector jobs by lowering taxes, reducing burdensome regulations and reining in government spending,” Hurt said.

Hurt also received an endorsement from the National Federation of Independent Business in September.

On Tuesday, Perriello held a conference call for reporters and attacked the Chamber for using money from “foreign-controlled corporations” to fund negative ads against Perriello.

The (Lynchburg) News & Advance reported a spokesperson for the U.S. Chamber said the accusations were “completely erroneous.” The organization has been running ads against Perriello since his first vote in favor of health care reform in Nov. 2009.

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