LANSING, Mich., July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced campaign endorsements for State House candidates in open seats.

"We are very pleased to announce the Michigan Chamber's endorsement of 10 outstanding candidates for the State House," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "Over the past 18 months, pro-reform and pro-taxpayer lawmakers have taken bold and decisive action to reinvent Michigan. We must continue to elect candidates to the State House who exhibit those strengths and these individuals have what it takes to get the job done."

"Voters can feel confident that these candidates are focused on job creation and economic growth," said Jim Holcomb, the Michigan Chamber's Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy & General Counsel. "Michigan is making good progress towards improving our economic climate and these individuals will help state government stay on the right track during the next legislative session."

"The Michigan Chamber will be making additional endorsements following the August 7th Primary," added Holcomb. "In some primary contests, we found multiple candidates to have positions favorable toward job creation and economic development and have chosen to let the primary process work. We will re-evaluate some districts after the primary."

Following are the Michigan Chamber's endorsements for the open seats in the State House:

The Michigan Chamber will be releasing its 2011-2012 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, in late July or early August.

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