The Michigan Chamber of Commerce announced today that Tony Stamas, currently a Republican State Representative from Midland, has received its endorsement for election to the 36th Senate seat. Business leaders who are members of the Chamber's PAC Board of Directors recently voted to endorse Tony Stamas for State Senate.

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"Tony has consistently supported legislation that creates jobs and improves the economy in Michigan," said Jim Barrett, Michigan Chamber President & CEO. "In order to improve Michigan's competitiveness with other states, we need someone in Lansing who understands the importance of reducing taxes and regulatory burdens on job providers and individuals. Tony Stamas is that kind of leader; we wholeheartedly support him in his bid for State Senate."

During the regular 1999-2000 legislative session, Rep. Stamas scored 96% on the Michigan Chamber's Job Providers Index by supporting job providers and working families on 22 out of 23 key roll call votes on a wide range of economic issues. Stamas' excellent voting record with the Chamber continued through the 2000 Lame Duck Session where he scored 80%.

The Job Providers Index is the basis for the Chamber's campaign endorsements for incumbent legislators.

"I am proud to have the support of the Michigan Chamber," said Rep. Stamas. "The Chamber represents the thousands of small businesses that are so important to the economy of Northern Michigan. I grew up in a family that runs a small business and I understand the hard work and dedication it takes to succeed."

"With every vote I cast, I think of the impact it will have on jobs and the economy," added Rep. Stamas. "As your next State Senator, I will work hard to deliver jobs and opportunity for Northern Michigan."

"Rep. Stamas gets the job done. He has been an effective leader -- and that's what we need in the State Senate," Barrett concluded.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization which represents approximately 7,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan' job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

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SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Bob LaBrant, Senior V.P., Political Affairs and General Counsel
of Michigan Chamber of Commerce, +1-517-371-2100

Website: http://www.michamber.com/