Associated Industries of Florida Endorses Tom Feeney for Re-election to Congress

Associated Industries of Florida Endorses Tom Feeney for Re-election to Congress

~Feeney's pro-business record leads to first-ever federal endorsement from AIF~

TALLAHASSEE - Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today announced its endorsement of U. S. Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Oviedo) for re-election in Florida's 24th Congressional District. Rep. Feeney consistently stands with Florida's businesses to create jobs and stimulate Florida's diverse economy. He has fought for tax relief to remove barriers to economic growth and prosperity. Elected to Congress in 2002, Rep. Feeney's district includes portions of Brevard, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia counties. Previously, he served in the Florida Legislature and was Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

"I'm thrilled to receive the endorsement of Associated Industries of Florida, the voice of Florida business and ardent champion for the state's prosperous future," said Rep. Feeney.

This is the first time the bi-partisan AIF has endorsed any federal candidate. The association plans to announce additional federal endorsements in the coming weeks. AIF's endorsements are intended to provide important voting-record information and voting recommendations to the association's 10,000 business members.

"I'm pleased to have this opportunity to recognize Rep. Feeney for the work he has done on Capitol Hill and his support of the free-enterprise system in Florida. Today's announcement is a first for AIF and, given the importance of these elections to business owners and the business community, we decided to take this extraordinary step," said Barney Bishop, President and CEO of AIF. "Before they cast their votes, we must let our members and their employees know which candidates have consistently demonstrated an understanding of what it takes to sustain and build a vibrant economy."

Endorsements from the prominent business association required a two-thirds vote by its board. The association's staff made recommendations to the board based on the voting records of federal incumbents as reported by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Business Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC).

As the nation's largest industrial trade association representing more than 100,000 companies, the NAM serves as the voice of the manufacturing economy. Founded as an independent, bipartisan group to serve as the political action arm of American business and industry, BIPAC's mission is to identify, endorse and elect champions of free enterprise to the U.S. Congress and to encourage greater business participation in the political process. AIF has been the state affiliate for the NAM since 1951 and the state affiliate for BIPAC since 2006.

"AIF was the first business association in Florida to create a political operations department, the first to create a political action committee, the first to hold candidate interviews and the first to hold politicians accountable through their voting records on business issues," added Bishop. "It only makes sense that we continue this leadership role by extending our reach to federal officeholders to ensure the right choices for Florida business are made."

Earlier this summer, AIF released its annual Voting Records Report, a detailed analysis of Florida House and Senate member votes on issues and legislation impacting Florida's economic climate, businesses and employers. AIF has been tracking legislative voting records on business issues longer than any other group in the state.

For more information on AIF and to view the 2008 Florida Voting Records Report, visit http://www.aif.com/.