For Immediate Release
February 3, 2000

Contact: Denise Wible
Communications Director
Ohio Chamber of Commerce
614/228-4201

Ohio Chamber of Commerce PAC Announces Endorsements for March 7 Primary Election

COLUMBUS, OH -- With term limits creating an unusually high number of contested races, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (OCCPAC) has announced its support for 16 General Assembly candidates in the March 7 primary. The announcement represents the first time OCCPAC has taken an active role in legislative primary elections.

The list of endorsed candidates includes a mix of Republicans and Democrats (13R, 3D), House and Senate candidates (13 House, 3 Senate), incumbents and open seat candidates.

What they all share, according to Ohio Chamber Director of Political and Candidate Education (P.a.C.E.) Chip McConville, is a strong understanding of business issues. "The March 7 primary will feature more than 65 contested party nominations for legislative seats," McConville said. "With this many open seats, it's important to evaluate the candidates and judge how they'll work with the business community on important issues. These candidates have all demonstrated they will be able to have a positive effect on the business agenda in the next General Assembly."

Staff and volunteers from the Ohio Chamber's P.a.C.E. program met with candidates and evaluated them on a set of criteria. The factors included voting records (if currently a legislator), questionnaire responses, the likelihood of the district to elect a pro-business legislator, personal electability, and differences on business issues with other candidates in the race.

After reviewing all the races, the Ohio Chamber PAC endorsed the following candidates and recommends Ohio Chamber members support their election.

OHIO SENATE DISTRICT 10 - STEVE AUSTRIA (R)
Austria has a strong understanding of business issues and compiled a flawless 100 percent pro-business voting record during his first term in the Ohio House.

OHIO SENATE DISTRICT 12 - JIM BUCHY (R)
As a state representative, Buchy spearheaded the fight for tort reform. He has a cumulative pro-business voting record of 91 percent since 1993.

OHIO SENATE DISTRICT 22 - RON AMSTUTZ (R)
A member of the House, Ron Amstutz is the sponsor of Chamber-supported legislation for better reporting of campaign finance information. His pro-business voting record is 91 percent.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 6 - TIM SCHAFFER (R)
Schaffer, the executive director of the Ohio Association of Professional Engineers, shows a strong understanding of business issues and a substantial level of support from the business community in his district.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 23 - REP. AMY SALERNO (R)
Since being elected in 1994, Rep. Salerno has compiled an excellent voting record on business issues ­ 85 percent.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 24 - STEWART FLAHERTY (R)
A small business owner and member of Westerville City Council, Flaherty has demonstrated an outstanding knowledge of the issues important to the business community.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 26 - LINDA REIDELBACH (R)
The co-owner of a Columbus small business, Reidelbach has been active in Franklin County politics for several years and ran for Columbus City Council in 1997.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 27 - REP. DAVID ROBINSON (R)
Rep. Robinson, the Ohio Chamberõs director of labor relations from 1993-1994, is expected to be a strong voice on business concerns and economic development.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 31 - REP. CATHERINE BARRETT (D)
Rep. Barrett delivered a 92 percent pro-business voting record this session, in a district where P.a.C.E. research indicates a lower level of business support.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 36 - MICHELLE GLASS SCHNEIDER (R)
The mayor of the Cincinnati suburb of Madeira and a business owner, Schneider enjoys strong support from business leaders in her area. She has been elected twice to local office.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 41 - JON HUSTED (R)
Husted, a vice president at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, has a business background and widespread support from business people in Montgomery County.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 60 - SHAWN WEBSTER (R)
The strongest pro-business candidate in this three-way primary, Webster, a veterinarian, has served five terms as a local school board member.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 64 - REP. SYLVESTER PATTON (D)
Rep. Patton demonstrates excellent support for Ohio Chamber issues in a district where the Democrat nominee will certainly prevail in the fall.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 66 - REP. CHRIS VERICH (D)
Rep. Verich brings a strong pro-business voting record into a four-way contest which should determine who will hold the seat next year.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 84 - KEITH FABER (R)
The house counsel for Celina Insurance, Faber brings considerable experience on issues like tort reform to this campaign.

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT 95 - REP. JIM ASLANIDES (R)
As an owner and operator of an oil and gas business, Rep. Aslanides' personal experience and pro-business philosophy make him the choice in this district.

Founded in 1893, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce is Ohio's largest statewide business advocacy group. The Chamber works to promote and protect the interests of its members - large and small - while building a more favorable Ohio business climate.