LANSING, Mich., Nov. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Two Michigan Chamber of Commerce endorsed candidates – Mary Whiteford and Gary Howell – cruised to victory in an historic special election held yesterday to fill the seats in Michigan's 80^th and 82^nd State House districts left vacant due to the resignation and explusion of disgraced former lawmakers Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat.

"The residents of Allegan and Lapeer counties deserve better representation in the State House and yesterday GOP primary voters in both counties took a big step toward that goal by electing principled conservatives who have the background and leadership skills to be effective, problem solving lawmakers," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "We are are confident Mary Whiteford and Gary Howell will serve their districts well."

Mary Whiteford won the eight-way Republican Primary with 5,065 votes. The remaining seven candidates all finished with less than 2,308 votes.

Gary Howell won the 11-way Republican Primary with 3,070 votes. The remaining 10 candidates all finished well behind Howell highlighted by disgraced former State Rep. Todd Courser, who captured just over 400 votes.

"Both Mary Whiteford and Gary Howell won competitive primaries by running positive campaigns," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "We were proud to endorse these candidates and are confident they provide strong leadership and good governance to the residents of their districts."

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,800 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Michigan Chamber member businesses provide jobs to 1.5 million residents. One of every 2.6 employees in Michigan works for a Chamber member firm. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. It is one of only six state chambers accredited by the U.S. Chamber and one of only four state chambers accredited with distinction.

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SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce