Florida Blue Dog in tight race gets Chamber backing

Florida Rep. Allen Boyd, a Blue-Dog Democrat, announced the endorsement of the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.

"We're endorsing Allen Boyd because he will stand up for the people of Florida in order to create jobs during these tough economic times," Bill Miller, the business group's political director, said in a statement. "Allen is an invaluable leader who has a common sense approach to job creation and getting Florida back on the road to recovery."

Boyd was one of 36 House Democrats who voted against the Disclose Act in June. The Chamber scored the vote, meaning it factored into its endorsement decision.

The Disclose Act is the Democrats’ answer to the Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case. The court's ruling removed campaign finance restrictions for business groups and labor organizations.

The Chamber and its allies opposed the legislation that will bolster disclosure requirements for corporate and union spending because they believe it puts unconstitutional limits on free speech.

"Over the years, the Chamber and I have worked together to provide businesses of all sizes the tools they need to succeed," Boyd said in a statement.

The seven-term incumbent faces Republican Steve Southerland in November. The National Republican Congressional Committee considers Southerland one of its top prospects.