U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Budd as Planned Parenthood drops millions in N.C. for Democrats

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement Wednesday afternoon of North Carolina’s Ted Budd for U.S. Senate. The announcement comes as Planned Parenthood announces a $50 million dump of campaign money into North Carolina and other states to impact individual states’ abortion policies after the overturn of Roe V. Wade.

In an event held Wednesday at Pitt Electric in Garner, national chamber leaders recognized Budd.

“Congressman Ted Budd’s commitment to pro-business solutions and his record of leadership on behalf of job creators, entrepreneurs, and the residents of North Carolina are exactly what the hard-working people of this state need in their next senator,” said Ashlee Rich Stephenson, senior political strategist for the U.S. Chamber. “Rep. Budd is a staunch defender of free enterprise and pro-growth solutions – a stark contrast to his opponent, who supports more big government overreach that will harm hard-working North Carolinians. In the U.S. Senate, Rep. Budd will support common-sense policies that bolster small businesses and the work force, unlike his opponent, who supports raising taxes on working families.” 

The U.S. Chamber also endorsed Rep. David Rouzer for re-election. The endorsements come as the campaign gets into the home stretch. Early voting begins on Oct. 20 in North Carolina, ahead of the Nov. 8 election. For Budd the Chamber’s support is key as he focuses his campaign on the impact of inflation on families and small businesses, particularly after last year’s business shutdowns by the Cooper administration.

“I want to thank the U.S. Chamber for their endorsement in this race,” Budd said. “As a small business owner, I know what it takes to create jobs and make payroll. Enhancing our economic engine starts with fostering a pro-business environment in Washington, which we are currently lacking. Excessive spending, high taxes, and unnecessary red tape hurt our economy and kill job creation. Extreme, progressive policies that my opponent Cheri Beasley has embraced have strangled innovation and stifled our economy. In the Senate, I will stop policies that hurt free enterprise and work to make North Carolina a stronger place to work and live.”

The national Planned Parenthood PAC announced last week that it is pouring $5 million into N.C. races, including Beasley’s Senate campaign, Democrats in judicial races, and Democrats in swing legislative districts. The group says it is focusing on keeping Republicans from getting a supermajority in the state legislature, although there has not been an indication of a proposal by Republicans in the General Assembly to ban abortion.

“In this crisis moment where the threat to abortion access has never been greater, it is critical to elect leaders who will protect and advance sexual and reproductive health care,” stated Jenny Black, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic.

The money is part of a $50 million nationwide push by the Planned Parenthood PAC to influence states’ abortion policies with canvassing, phone calls, and ads.

On Thursday, Budd is slated to campaign in Greensboro with Donald Trump Jr. for a “Keep NC Red Rally,” then head to Edenton for a downtown tour of the town with the mayor.