Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
The builders are backing David Jolly.
Associated Builders and Contractors — a national construction industry trade organization — announced Friday they were endorsing the Indian Shores Republican in his re-election bid. The group represents about 21,000 chapter members, and has one of the strongest networks of commercial and individual contractors in Florida.
“David has been a tireless fighter for open competition and free enterprise throughout the construction industry,” said Steve Cona III, president and CEO of ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, in a statement. “He also understands the importance of investing in infrastructure and supporting technical and vocational education that will help put more Americans to work. We stand with David Jolly.”
Cona said Jolly’s re-election is a top priority for the “commercial and industrial construction industry and the millions of hardworking men and women it employs.”
Jolly faces Democrat Charlie Crist in Florida’s 13th Congressional District. The match-up is one of the most-watched races in the state, and is expected to be close. The newly drawn district leans Democrat.
Jolly had initially planned to run for the U.S. Senate, but bowed out last month after several area lawmakers urged him to run again for Congress.
“ABC’s members contribute to job creation and economic growth every single day. The millions of people employed in the industry too often suffer at the hands of federal agencies determined to kill jobs and wage growth through over-regulation,” said Jolly in a statement. “I am proud to stand with ABC and fight for a balanced federal approach that recognizes the importance of stable infrastructure investment and balancing responsible environmental and labor policies with pro-economic growth and job-creating policies.”
