PA Chamber President Gene Barr and candidate Brian Fitzpatrick listen to Brian’s Harley Davidson owner Brian Bentley Monday.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced Monday that they were endorsing Republican Eighth Congressional District candidate Brian Fitzpatrick.
The announcement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a business-oriented American lobbying organization, touted Fitzpatrick’s experience as an accountant, lawyer and FBI special agent who handled political corruption.
In Congress, Fitzpatrick will continue to watch our backs by ensuring reliable, affordable energy, reducing unnecessary, job-killing regulations, and reforming our broken tax code,” said Ben Taylor, executive director of congressional and public affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He also called Fitzpatrick, a Middletown resident, a “pro-growth” candidate.
Taylor talked with NewtownPANow.com after the announcement and said Fitzpatrick’s vision matched up with all the goals the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has for the future. He also said Democratic candidate State Rep. Steve Santarsiero did not complete an application for the endorsement.
“I believe economic opportunity is the basis of a strong nation, and strong communities, and that anyone who works hard and plays by the rules should be able to achieve their own American dream,” Fitzpatrick said.
The Republican candidate laid out his economic polities in a statement: “support measures that that put American workers and businesses back at the forefront of our economy to creates family sustaining careers and true wealth for our nation. Toward that goal I am honored to have the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and so many local businesses.”
Gene Barr, president of the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, said his organization doesn’t endorse candidates but follows the ones endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He said Fitzpatrick’s economic policy plan is one that he supports and would benefit businesses in the state.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
Fitzpatrick has spoken in the past about fixing what he feels is a broken tax code and reducing the complicated policies.
The endorsement was made at Brian’s Harley Davidson dealership on Middletown. Following a short press conference, Fitzpatrick received a tour of the facility from owner Brian Bentley.
Santarsiero in response to Fitzpatrick’s endorsement took a shot at his Republican opponent and pointed to several of his perceived weaknesses.
“I understand my opponent is doing everything he can to distract from the Donald Trump dance he has been trying to perform, but the truth is that from bringing tax breaks to help local businesses grow to working to successfully stop a harmful New Jersey law that that would have forced thousands of Pennsylvanians to choose between their homes and their jobs, I’m the only candidate in this race who has created jobs and actually delivered for small businesses,” Santarsiero said.
Taylor responded by saying the U.S. Chamber of Commerce looked at Santarsiero’s record and believes he would not help reduce taxes on residents and businesses.
