The Michigan Chamber of Commerce announced today its endorsement of former State Representative Mickey Mortimer (R-Horton) to fill a vacancy in the 65th District of the Michigan House of Representatives. Business leaders who are members of the Chamber's PAC Board of Directors this week voted to endorse Mickey Mortimer for State House.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000320/DEM039 )

A special primary election will be held on April 22 -- followed by a special general election on May 20 -- to fill the vacancy created by the death of Republican State Representative Jerry Kratz, who died of a heart attack on January 28th after less than one month in office. Mickey Mortimer is one of four Republicans who will face off in the April special primary election.

"Mickey Mortimer has been a strong, consistent supporter of business and brings much needed experience and knowledge to the State House in this era of term limits and budget deficits," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Jim Barrett. "Having served on the House Appropriations Committee, Mickey Mortimer is knowledgeable on budget, health care, education and business issues and enjoys the highest name identification of any candidate in the field."

Mickey Mortimer was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1998. During his tenure in the House, he scored a cumulative 83 percent on the Michigan Chamber's Job Providers Index.

The 65th House District includes Springport, Tompkins, Rives, Blackman, Henrietta, Leoni, Waterloo, Grass Lake, Norvell, Columbia and Liberty Townships in Jackson County, plus small portions of Eaton and Lenawee counties.

"The Michigan Chamber is a strong advocate for job providers," said Mortimer. "Employers throughout the State look to the Michigan Chamber as a leading voice on business issues. I am pleased to receive their endorsement."

The Michigan Chamber is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,500 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

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SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

CONTACT: Jim Barrett, President & CEO of Michigan Chamber of Commerce,
+1-517-371-2100

Web site: http://www.michamber.com/