
Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Butler) announced today that he has received the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in his campaign to keep his House seat in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District.
“In today’s economy, it is critical that Members of Congress provide strong support of free enterprise and leadership for policies that will return the United States to its full growth potential,” said Tom Donohue, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in his endorsement of Kelly. “We believe that your re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives will help produce sustained economic growth, help create jobs and get our country back on track.”
Kelly has personal experience as a small business owner, and he’s quite a successful one at that. Back in 2012, Kelly came in as the 21st richest member of Congress, according to financial disclosure forms examined by Roll Call.
He’s had his seat in the House since his win over Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D-Erie) in the 2010 election.
“I decided to run for Congress to stop the federal government from stifling the American spirit of entrepreneurship,” said Kelly. “I have been an ardent supporter of legislation that encourages-not stifles-economic growth, curtails the intrusiveness of abusive federal government agencies and reduces the national debt.”
The announcement of such an influential endorsement means that incumbent Kelly is ramping up his campaign effort to face any of the three Democratic challengers that could win in the Democratic primary. The three Dems are Dan LaVallee, Rob Joswiak and Matt Ryan.
3 Responses
Let’s be clear: his daddy was a successful car dealer. It’s easy to make money when you’ve already got it.
It’s no surprise that the radical right wing chamber would be with Kelly, the standard bearer for handing over our democracy to corporate executives. We’re talking Koch Bros, not ma and pa businesses. A US chamber endorsement is a warning to the voters: this guy ain’t on your side.
What is there to be surprised about this endorsement? Kelly, the car dealer, is a card carrying member of the Chamber. Keep in mind that without the bailout for the auto industry in 2007-2008, he would be toast today.