Press Releases

For Immediate Release
July 26, 2006
Contact: Keith A. Lake
Ohio Chamber of Commerce
614/228-4201
klake@ohiochamber.com

Ohio Chamber PAC Announces Chamber Choice for Business
in 2006 Legislative Contests

COLUMBUS, OH – As part of its ongoing effort to create an environment in state government that encourages economic growth and job creation and retention, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (OCCPaC) has announced the selection of six Ohio General Assembly candidates as its slate of Chamber Choice candidates for 2006.

These six candidates are involved in political contests expected to be among the year’s most competitive. On business issues, there are distinct differences between the Chamber Choice candidates and their opponents. While OCCPaC also issued endorsements in many other General Assembly contests, focusing the state’s business community on these targeted Chamber Choice races will be a priority for the Ohio Chamber.

“We all know Ohio’s economy is still in the midst of recovery,” said Andrew E. Doehrel, President & CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. “Part of the reason is that things like workers’ compensation premiums and healthcare costs are higher in Ohio than in most states and employers suffer from a stifling regulatory environment. These six candidates are committed to addressing these problems so that Ohio’s businesses become more competitive, both here in the United States and around the globe.”

The six Chamber Choice candidates were selected based upon their Ohio Chamber General Assembly voting records, responses to written candidate questionnaires and face-to-face interviews, input from Ohio Chamber members and local chambers of commerce, and district research conducted by the Chamber's Political and Candidate Education (P.a.C.E.) program. Of the six candidates selected, one is seeking a seat in the Ohio Senate and five are running for seats in the Ohio House.

“Even though the General Assembly took several positive steps over the past year and half, like passing legislation that will help reduce workers’ compensation premium costs for employers, making common sense reforms to Ohio EPA’s air permitting program, and revamping our business tax structure, Ohioans need more lawmakers who recognize that business, not government, drives the economy in this state,” noted Doehrel. “We believe that our Chamber Choice candidates will help lead the fight to foster a better climate for business growth and job creation.”

THE 2006 CHAMBER CHOICE CANDIDATES:
Martha Wise (R-Avon), 13th Senate district, which includes Huron and Lorain Counties and the eastern third of Seneca County. This district is currently represented by Sen. Jeff Armbruster (R-North Ridgeville), who is term-limited. The district has been competitive in past elections, and this year's contest should be no exception. Wise has been a member of the State Board of Education for the past 28 years. As a retired customer service representative for BP Amoco, she is familiar with the concerns of Ohio business owners.

Jim Hoppel (R-East Liverpool), 1st House district, which includes all of Columbiana County. The 1st district is currently held by Rep. Chuck Blasdel (R-East Liverpool), who is not seeking re-election to the House. Hoppel is mid-way through a third term as a Columbiana County Commissioner, where he has been a forceful advocate for the free enterprise system and strived to hold the line on taxes. He worked for two decades as an educator and coach before pursuing a second career in real estate, eventually joining the ranks of Ohio’s small business community as owner of a local real estate company, River Valley Realty.

Rep. Geoff Smith (R-Upper Arlington), 24th House district, which includes Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff, Upper Arlington, Valley View, five wards in Columbus, and parts of four townships in Franklin County. Rep. Smith is Chairman of the House Insurance Committee and has served in the House since 2001. Over his nearly six years in the House, he has assembled a stellar pro-business voting record of 98%.

Rep. Earl Martin (R-Avon Lake), 57th House district, which includes Avon, Avon Lake, N. Ridgeville, Sheffield, half of Elyria, and parts of four townships in eastern Lorain County. Rep. Martin is running for a second full term in 2006 after initially being appointed to fill a vacancy in 2003. He has been a strong business advocate, as evidenced by the perfect 100% pro-jobs voting record he has compiled since joining the legislature. He also brings an important perspective to the Ohio House: that of a small businessman. Rep. Martin owns three delis in Cuyahoga County and is also involved in property development and rental management.

Brant Luther (R-Alliance), 61st House district, which includes all of Carroll County and parts of Mahoning, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties. This district is currently represented by Rep. John Boccieri (D-New Middletown), who is not seeking re-election to the House. Luther is a former Stark County Auditor who also served on Alliance City Council. He is presently a staff attorney for the Stark County Probate Court. He received OCCPaC’s endorsement in his contested primary this past May and is committed to cutting government red tape and fighting against lawsuit abuse.

Rep. Ross McGregor (R-Springfield), 72nd House district, which includes Donnelsville, Enon, New Carlisle, Springfield and parts of four townships in southwestern Clark County. Rep. McGregor is seeking his first full term after being appointed to succeed former Rep. Merle Kearns (R-Springfield) in October 2005. Rep. McGregor’s real world business experience – he is the business project manager for Springfield manufacturer Pentaflex, Inc. – has given him insight into the challenges employers face into today’s global economy. He has also compiled a 100% pro-business voting record since his appointment.

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