The Choice

 

Great elections in U.S. history haven't centered on campaign tactics, personalities, or abstract promises of change, but on big ideas. After a prolonged primary process, the sensation surrounding some historic candidates, and a major financial crisis, we're just now breaking through the campaign clutter to get at the heart of the fundamental issues in this election.

 

What are they? Consider these: Will we build on the free enterprise system that encourages risk, rewards hard work and ideas, and gives all of our citizens a shot at the American Dream? Or will we trade it for a false promise from government to meet our every need? Are we still a can-do society that can tackle big challenges before they become crises and smartly plan for the future? Or are we content to simply preserve what we have and divide up the pie among ourselves?

 

Big choices. Big decisions. We, the people, get to decide.
 
It's no secret that the U.S. Chamber has been deeply involved in this election. We have endorsed hundreds of congressional candidates and reached out to our members in a  handful of close races where there are distinct differences between the candidates on key business issues and where our involvement can make a real difference. And we have devoted significant resources to educating voters on burning issues like taxes, health care, energy, and unionization. We don't apologize for it-we're proud of it!

 

We endorse candidates based on some simple principles-who best supports the idea of individual initiative and responsibility, who believes most strongly in a government that does for citizens what they can't do for themselves and otherwise gets out of the way, and who supports policies that will maximize America's long-term economic prosperity. We endorse both Republicans and Democrats.

 

We don't endorse presidential candidates. We will work with whoever is elected and expect that he will work with us. After all, businesses create the wealth to pay our nation's bills and provide opportunities for our citizens. And they have built the greatest economy on earth.

 

The decisions in this election are more difficult than ever because Americans are hurting. Falling home values, a declining stock market, dwindling pension funds, rising unemployment, and increasing health care costs are taking a serious toll.

 

But let's not vote our fears; let's vote our aspirations. America is a blessed nation with limitless possibilities. If we make the right choices now, our best days are still ahead. So make a choice. Take a stand. Vote.

To learn more, please visit: www.uschamber.com/election.