AIF Backs Republicans in Florida Congressional Races

The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) announced it was backing Republicans in congressional races across the Sunshine State. In some of the most competitive elections in Florida, AIF endorsed U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla., over Democrat Gwen Graham, Miami-Dade School Board member Carlos Curbelo over U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia, D-Fla., and former state Rep. Carl Domino over U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla.

Were proud to announce our endorsements for U.S. Congress for the 2014 election cycle, said former U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, the president and CEO of AIF, on Monday. These candidates all share the same beliefs as AIF in terms of fostering a pro-business environment, where businesses have the opportunity to flourish by limiting government waste and spending, reducing taxes and frivolous regulation, as well as growing private-sector jobs and economic prosperity.

Not only is it imperative that we protect and build upon manufacturing and technology jobs, it is vital that we continue to protect and enhance our water, health care and immigration policies to name a few, added Feeney. And, we will remain vigilant in our efforts to continue to shine light on these important issues facing Floridians in our nations capital.

At AIF, our focus on federal issues that affect businesses in our Sunshine State is equally as important as the legislative initiatives we face here at the state level, said Brewster Bevis, the senior VP of state and federal affairs for AIF. Electing this slate of candidates will be key for businesses across the nation in ensuring businesses are not stifled, and our Florida businesses are able to continue to grow and build upon the existing workforce.

AIF also backed the following Republican members of Congress: Gus Bilirakis, Vern Buchanan, Ander Crenshaw, Ron DeSantis, Mario Diaz-Balart, David Jolly, Jeff Miller, John Mica, Rich Nugent, Bill Posey, Tom Rooney, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Dennis Ross, Dan Webster and Ted Yoho.