U.S. Chamber endorses David Jolly for re-election in CD 13

Incumbent Republican David Jolly scored a significant endorsement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for re-election to Florida’s 13th Congressional District.

The Chamber is the world’s largest business organization, representing more than three million businesses across the country.

Thursday’s endorsement comes in the wake of an independent poll showing Jolly with a three-point lead over his Democratic challenger, former Gov. Charlie Crist.

The CD 13 race is among the closest in the country, one The Washington Post describes as a “nail-biter.”

According to the Chamber, Jolly has the highest lifetime rating — 97 percent — of any member of the entire 29-member Florida Congressional Delegation.

“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 potential,” said Chamber President Thomas J. Donohue in a statement. “Your record of support on pro-business issues earned this endorsement.  We will encourage the business community to vigorously support your candidacy and will be in direct contact with our members and voters in your district promoting you as our candidate of choice.”

Jolly responded: “As someone who has owned a small business and worked extensively in business development, I know that to encourage entrepreneurship and keep our economy strong, we must reduce bureaucratic red tape, reform our complex and ever-changing tax code and streamline a regulatory system that stifles growth.”

In endorsing Jolly for CD 13, the U.S. Chamber joins former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Associated Builders and Contractors, Medal of Honor Recipient Sgt. 1st Class Gary Littrell, Florida Congressional Delegation Chair Vern Buchanan, the National Association of Realtors, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Both the Rothenberg and Gonzales Political Report have moved the Florida CD 13 race out of the “safe” category after polling from both camps revealed “a very competitive race.”