LANSING, Mich., Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced its endorsement of three well qualified candidates for the Michigan Supreme Court; two incumbent Justices who are seeking re-election and a Circuit Court judge who is seeking election to the court on November 6, 2012.

The Michigan Chamber is backing incumbent Justices Stephen J. Markman and Brian Zahra and Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Colleen O'Brien for the Michigan Supreme Court.

"A stable, predictable legal climate is an important part of Michigan's economic competitiveness," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "Markman, Zahra and O'Brien are experienced and capable judges who believe in separation of powers and will not legislate from the bench."

"At the Michigan Chamber, we know from experience that job providers can win public policy battles in the legislature only to lose the war in court," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President, Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "The three candidates we have endorsed are independent, intelligent and fair-minded jurists with strong track records of accomplishment."

"Markman, Zahra and O'Brien are solid choices for the Michigan Supreme Court and we are pleased to highly recommend them to Michigan voters," Studley concluded.

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.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce