Indiana Chamber Reaffirms Endorsement of Todd Young for U.S. Senate

youngAt a series of press conferences Aug. 29, the Indiana Chamber reaffirmed its endorsement of Congressman Todd Young (R-IN, 9th District) for the U.S. Senate. The announcement was first made at the Associated Builders and Contractors training facility on the east side of Indianapolis, followed by stops in South Bend and Fort Wayne.

The organization previously had endorsed Young in the primary before Evan Bayh, former U.S. senator and Indiana governor, emerged as the Democrat candidate.

Once Bayh entered the race, our congressional affairs committee thought the appropriate action was to take another look at this race and talk with him about policies important to the business community.

We were able to do that recently and appreciate Sen. Bayh’s willingness to have that discussion. At the end of the day, however, our committee overwhelmingly decided to keep our endorsement with Congressman Young.

His military, business and government experience have him prepared to take this next step of leadership. Young is also an economic-minded individual who has repeatedly demonstrated prudent decision-making on issues that are vital to jobs and economic growth.

Additionally, Young’s engagement with the business community and his focus on economic, fiscal and regulatory issues were key factors. After he was appointed to the Ways and Means Committee, the congressman sought substantial feedback on potential federal tax reforms and what would have the most impact on Hoosier companies and their employees. He listened to our members – through personal conversations and a survey – using their insights to help form his pro-economy agenda.

The Indiana Chamber frequently hears from its members about burdensome federal regulations. They bring uncertainty and put a stranglehold on job creation. Congressman Young understands these frustrations and has sought to remedy that. In each session, he has introduced legislation (the REINS Act) that would require members of Congress to vote on major rules before they go into effect.

At both the state and federal levels, Indiana Chamber endorsements are driven by vote scores on pro-jobs, pro-economy issues. For state endorsements, the Indiana Chamber relies on its Legislative Vote Analysis report.

Congressional endorsements are based on a combination of the U.S. Chamber’s own vote scores and an analysis of votes on Indiana Chamber federal policy positions. The U.S. Chamber’s lifetime congressional voting record for Bayh is 55%; Young is at 91%.

The Indiana Chamber’s congressional affairs committee, which determined Young’s endorsement, is a nonpartisan group comprised of volunteer business leaders from around the state.

Representatives of the U.S. Chamber, which also is supporting Young’s general election campaign, joined the Indiana Chamber for the press event.

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