CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Thursday announced its endorsement of U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., as she seeks a second term in the Senate.
The organization, which is the country’s largest business group, backed Capito’s 2014 campaign.
Thomas Donohue, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s CEO, said in a statement that Capito has a record of supporting policies promoting job creation and economic growth.
“In difficult times, we are reminded of the importance of having leaders that understand the genius of the American system of government and free enterprise and who are willing to tackle the hard problems that confront our nation,” he said.
“As our country faces many challenges and is collectively working to not just reopen our economy, but return to growth and expanded opportunities for all Americans, we need leaders like Senator Shelley Moore Capito.”
Capito remains favored to defeat Democratic challenger Paula Jean Swearengin in the November general election. Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia ranks the race as “safe R” and Inside Elections gives the contest a “Solid Republican” ranking.
“I am honored to have the endorsement from the U.S. Chamber in my race for reelection,” Capito said in a statement to MetroNews. “These are challenging times, but the strength of our nation is founded in the perseverance of our people and the vitality of our free-market economy. I will continue to lend my voice to meeting the challenges our nation faces and advancing economic opportunity for all West Virginians.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supported state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey during his 2018 run for U.S. Senate.
Capito has also received endorsements from the United Mine Workers of America, the West Virginia Coal Association and the National Rife Association among other organizations.
As for Swearengin, her campaign is touting support from multiple people and groups, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the West Virginia Working Families Party and West Virginia Can’t Wait, a grassroots movement launched simultaneously with Stephen Smith’s gubernatorial campaign.