By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today will endorse Dothan businessman Jeff Coleman in the race for Congress in Alabama’s 2nd District, Alabama Daily News has learned.
The U.S. Chamber is the country’s largest business organization representing more than three million companies of various sizes. They engage politically in Washington to advocate for business-friendly policies in areas like taxes, health care, energy and trade.
Scott Reed, the Chamber’s Chief Political Strategist, said Coleman stands out as a candidate the group could get behind.
“In politics, candidates matter and Jeff Coleman is a proven community leader and businessman who understands how to grow a business and create jobs,” Reed said. “The U.S. Chamber is proud to be in Montgomery today to offer our full endorsement for Jeff Coleman in the race for the Second Congressional District.”
Coleman had already been endorsed by the Chamber’s state affiliate, the Business Council of Alabama. BCA rarely gets involved in federal races, but Chairman John Mazyck said Coleman had a “true commitment to supporting common sense, pro-jobs policies” and that the organization would be “rallying” local networks of job creators to support his candidacy.
The 2nd District stretches from Autauga and Elmore Counties to the north down to the Wiregrass and the Florida and Georgia state lines to the South. Five candidates are competing with Coleman for the Republican nomination, including former Attorney General Troy King, Prattville businesswoman Jessica Taylor, former State Rep. Barry Moore, Montgomery electrician Bob Rogers and former Bush administration staffer Terri Hasdorff.
Current Congresswoman Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, announced last year she would not be seeking a sixth term in the House of Representatives. Roby enjoyed the support of the U.S. Chamber during her campaigns for office, which sometimes included significant advertising from the group’s political arm.
Coleman, who is set to accept the endorsement at an event Wednesday morning at the Alabama Trucking Association, thanked the Chamber for its support.
“I am proud to receive the endorsement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Whether it was driving a truck or eventually expanding my family’s company worldwide, I know the grit and determination businesses need to succeed,” Coleman said.
“I’m going to Washington to help President Trump further his agenda of freedom and prosperity, and to help all businesses thrive.”