LANSING, Mich., June 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced campaign endorsements for State House and Michigan Senate candidates in open seats and contested primaries.

"It's a new day for Michigan and smart new business policies are attracting new investment and creating new opportunities for job providers and working families," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "Michigan is on the right track and the election of business-friendly, pro-jobs policymakers will help ensure further progress."

"The candidates we are endorsing today have the ability to win and the courage to govern," added Studley. 

 "Today, we are pleased to announce the Michigan Chamber's endorsement of 21 outstanding individuals for the State House and seven outstanding individuals for the Michigan Senate," said Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "All of these candidates have demonstrated a commitment to protecting the gains made during the last legislative session to keep Michigan moving forward through the pursuit of policies based on individual freedom, incentive and opportunity."

"The Michigan Chamber will be making additional endorsements following the August 5^th Primary," added Holcomb. "In select primary contests, we found all or most candidates to have positions favorable toward job creation and economic growth in Michigan. Rather than make multiple endorsements, we have chosen to let the primary process play out."

Following are the Michigan Chamber's endorsements for the open seats and competitive races in the STATE HOUSE:

OPEN/TARGETED SEATS – 21

Following are the Michigan Chamber's endorsements for open seats in the MICHIGAN SENATE:

OPEN SEATS – 7

The Michigan Chamber will be releasing its 2013-2014 Legislative Voting Record – A Competitiveness Scorecard for Michigan, which includes earned endorsements for candidates seeking re-election to either the State House or Michigan Senate at later date.  

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,500 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.     

The Michigan Chamber PAC ranks 20^th among Michigan's top 150 political action committees, according to an April report by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. 

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce