Chamber backs Alabama Dem

Alabama Rep. Bobby Bright's (D) prospects of winning a second term got a boost Friday with the backing of the Chamber of Commerce.

"In just one term, Bobby has already shown a strong record of standing up for businesses and workers of Alabama during some of the state’s most challenging economic times,” Bill Miller, the business group's vice president, said in a statement. "He has a common sense approach to job creation and getting America back on the road to recovery."

The freshman Democrat is expected to face a tough race against either businessman Rick Barber (R) or Montgomery City Councilor Martha Roby (R). The two Republicans are competing in a runoff set for July 13.

Bright voted against the Disclose Act, which factored into the Chamber's endorsement. The Chamber has said the bill places an unconstitutional restriction on free speech. The Chamber has backed other Blue Dog Democrats this cycle, including Reps. Dan Boren (Okla.) and Walt Minnick (Idaho). Both voted against the Disclose Act.