WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is launching ads backing a GOP candidate in West Virginia and other candidates as the business organization ramps up its political activity for the 2014 congressional elections.
Rob Engstrom, national political director for the Chamber, said the ads mark the start of the organization's voter education effort as it looks to "protect and expand the pro-business majority in the House and gain seats in the Senate."
"We will aggressively back candidates who support the American free enterprise system and economic growth, and oppose those who stand in the way," Engstrom said. "The focus is on conservative, pro-job, pro-business candidates who will ensure that former Speaker Pelosi keeps her title."
Engstrom described the ad buy in West Virginia as significant but declined to provide a dollar figure.
Two officials who monitor ad buys said the Chamber is spending slightly more than $105,000 on broadcast and cable in the House race in West Virginia.
Details about the subject of the ads emerged prior to when outside groups file notices on spending with the Federal Election Commission.
