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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce finds itself more active than ever in election politics, trying to influence business issues. And Florida is "ground zero," says chamber political program director Bill Miller, with just eight days until Election Day.
The U.S. chamber has never endorsed a presidential candidate and, technically, hasn't this year. But Miller spent plenty of time Friday morning in a teleconference complaining about Kerry's vice presidential running mate, Sen. John Edwards. Edwards, a former trial lawyer, is known for getting rich through successful courtroom battles against corporate America.
On the surface, the U.S. chamber is in Florida with ads, a Web site and direct mail pieces to encourage businesses to get out the vote. It's also here because it endorsed Republican Mel Martinez in his race against Democrat Betty Castor for the U.S. Senate seat left open by retiring Sen. Bob Graham.
Miller won't say how much the U.S. chamber is spending in Florida. But his group spent $12.5-million nationally on politics in 2000; in 2004, it has been much, much more.