Contact: Karyn Burns, 315-474-4201 x13, kburns@macny.org (MACNY)
Deb Warner, 315-470-1845, dwarner@syracusechamber.com (Chamber)
CUBPAC ANNOUNCES 2008 STATE CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
Syracuse, NY- CUBPAC, The Central Upstate Business Political Action Committee, today announced their 2008 candidate endorsements in the 23rd, 24th and 25th Congressional Districts. CUBPAC is comprised of members from MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, and members of the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. This is the first Congressional race CUBPAC has weighed in on, since its inception in 2007.
The CUBPAC Board looked to endorse pro-business candidates within each of the three districts, focusing their attention on key national issues, including healthcare, fair trade practices, energy dependency, union and labor issues and economic development initiatives. As part of the endorsement process, each candidate was asked to complete a questionnaire, and participate in an interview with the CUBPAC Board. Based on the candidates’ responses and interviews, CUBPAC is pleased to announce its endorsement for these races:
24th Congressional District – The race in the 24th Congressional district includes incumbent Congressman Michael Arcuri and first time challenger Richard Hanna. Running for his second term in office, Democratic candidate Michael Arcuri has proven to the region’s business community his dedication and knowledge of our issues, including his support for the proposed nuclear power plant in Oswego, support for small business, his interests in healthcare affordability, his dedication to curbing currency manipulation and creating a level playing field to allow our nation’s manufacturers to compete with foreign competitors, and his priorities in achieving energy independence. Republican challenger Richard Hanna, a longtime business man, also proved to be pro business and a solid candidate, with his initiatives calling to reduce taxes and make Washington more business friendly. CUBPAC strongly opposes Congressman Arcuri’s decision to support the Employee Free Choice Act. Congressman Arcuri acknowledged the strong concerns CUBPAC has with the legislation in its current format, and extended an invitation to our membership to meet with him and his staff to discuss this legislation in further detail as a method in better understanding our strong issues with it. This open door policy Congressman Arcuri continues to uphold further proved to the CUBPAC Board that he is an effective and open minded leader, and should be sent back to Washington to address our region’s most pressing business issues. We endorse Michael Arcuri for the 24rd Congressional District Seat.
23rd Congressional District - The race for the 23rd Congressional district seat includes incumbent Republican John McHugh and Democrat challenger Michael Oot. Serving as Congressman for over 15 years, John McHugh brings a wealth of experience and has been a longtime advocate for the region’s manufacturing and business sector. McHugh’s record over his last seven terms in office, his work with regional business organizations and his dedication to cutting taxes, supporting local economic development and defense initiatives, and creating a level playing field through fair trade amongst foreign countries, all align with CUBPAC’s pro-business agenda. While CUBPAC strongly opposes McHugh’s decision to support the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill that will dismantle an employee's right to a secret ballot, we do believe that John McHugh is the right person to lead our region’s business agenda, and hope through discussions with our membership, he will reconsider his decision should the legislation be brought to the House again. Overall, John McHugh serves as a strong business advocate and an effective voice for our region in Washington. CUBPAC announces its endorsement of John McHugh for the 23rd District Congressional seat.
25th Congressional District – The retirement of longtime incumbent Jim Walsh has left an open seat in the 25th Congressional District. Candidates in this race include Republican Dale Sweetland, Democrat Dan Maffei and Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins. Dale, a seven term members and former Chairman of the Onondaga County Legislature, brings to this election a solid background in business, longtime roots to the region, and a strong business agenda that is desperately needed in Washington. His opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act, his support in diversifying energy consumption, and strong opinions on holding foreign trade partners accountable to the same standards our nation abides by in foreign trade practices serves as what CUBPAC believes to be a solid business agenda. Dan Maffei, running his second race for the Congressional seat, clearly comes with knowledge of the issues and experience in Washington. He indicated to the CUBPAC Board his top priorities, if elected into office, would include revisions of the Syracuse Empowerment Zone, making Central and Upstate New York a “green energy” hub and working to close loopholes that send jobs overseas. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins also participated in our endorsement process, and introduced his priorities, such as investing heavily in green technologies and energy efficiency programs. However, despite all candidates providing strong interviews and passionate agendas, it was Dale Sweetland CUBPAC was most aligned with, and believes he will serve as the best candidate to represent our agenda in Washington. CUBPAC announces its endorsement of Dale Sweetland for the 25th District Congressional seat.
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