U.S. Chamber Helping Abbott

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has announced it will be running ads to assist Republican Steve Abbott in next month’s gubernatorial primary.

Neither the Lewiston Sun Journal nor the Abbott campaign label the U.S. Chamber of Commerce support an endorsement per se, but the group will be running ‘voter education’ ads in support of him beginning today. The Chamber does not endorse candidates.

This is also the first involvement of a national group in the campaign, but how much impact it has will largely depend on how big the investment is. There was no dollar figure or even a general estimate of how frequently the ads will be running available yesterday. Indeed, not only is this the first national group to get involved in the campaign, it’s the first independent television advertising in the race as well, on either side. That’s not really surprising – as a small state with two highly competitive primaries, if the gubernatorial race does attract national interest, it won’t be until after June.

Still, these ads will certainly help Abbott. As soon as one is posted online, we’ll update this article.

Update - Here is the ad from the Chamber:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g2-oqgt1NQ[/youtube]

Matt Jacobson has released a statement about the assistance Abbott is receiving.  Jacobson claims this is just another case of Washington special interests trying to influence a Maine election.  See the full release below, then visit Pine Tree Politics for further analysis.

Jacobson Campaign Rebukes Washington, DC-based Special Interests Attempting to Influence Maine Elections

US Chamber of Commerce also supports amnesty for illegal aliens

Thursday, May 13, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Martin Sheehan: 650-7335

Portland, ME- Republican gubernatorial candidate Matt Jacobson’s campaign quickly commented this afternoon on a Washington, DC-based special interest group attempting to influence the Maine gubernatorial election.

“The last thing that Mainers need are more suggestions from the special interests in Washington,” stated Bill Becker, campaign manager for Matt Jacobson’s gubernatorial campaign.  “The US Chamber of Commerce supports amnesty for illegal aliens, a position directly at odds with most Mainers. So we should be shocked that these Washington insiders also feel that their input into a Maine gubernatorial election is somehow relevant.”

“On a day when an arrest has been made right here in Maine in connection with the attempted Times Square bombing and illegal immigration charges, Mainers should be wary of recommendations by the US Chamber of Commerce whose support of amnesty undermines the constitution and the security of our state and nation.

“Insiders like this engage when they want to protect their interests and their Washington connections,” said Becker.  “That is exactly what is happening here.”