CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The leader of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce says an ad being run by a national political action committee is inaccurate.
Steve Roberts said Wednesday on MetroNews Talkline the ad in question is being funded by the House Majority PAC which heavily supports President Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The ad claims West Virginia Third District Congressman Nick Rahall is backed by the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“The ad says ‘Endorsed by your local chamber of commerce’,” Roberts said. “The local chambers of commerce have not made an endorsement in this race in this election.”
Roberts said he became involved when he was contacted by many of the local chambers asking which local bodies were backing Rahall’s reelection.
“Our point of view is, if the local chambers have not endorsed, it’s probably best not to say they have,” Roberts said.
Roberts added the West Virginia Chamber has lent its name to an ad by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which supports Rahall’s potential opponent in next year’s general election, Republican State Senator Evan Jenkins. Although over the years the Chamber had supported Rahall’s campaign, Roberts indicated that probably will not be the case next year.
“Every election is a new election and every candidacy is a new candidacy,” Roberts said. “We now have a rather lengthy record on which to base our endorsement and our support.”