The U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday endorsed U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, who the organization recognized earlier this year for supporting pro-growth policies.
The chamber chose Davids over Republican challenger Amanda Adkins, who immediately criticized the chamber for not doing its “homework.”
Davids, who posted the endorsement on Twitter, was among 210 members of the House who received the chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award for supporting pro-growth policies.
She received an 81% on the chamber’s scorecard in 2019, which was comparable to the scores of other members of the Kansas congressional delegation.
For instance, Republican Rep. Ron Estes scored 83%, while fellow Congressman Steve Watkins got an 86%. Congressman Roger Marshall got an 85%.
Davids’ score was significantly better than other top Democrats in the House, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi (39%), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (58%) and Majority Whip James Clyburn (63%).
As another point of reference, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez scored 34% on the chamber’s scorecard.
Even before the endorsement was announced Tuesday afternoon, Adkins issued a statement in anticipation that the chamber would side with Davids.
“Either the U.S. Chamber isn’t doing its homework, or it has some explaining to do to its Kansas City members,” Adkins spokesman Matt Trail said in a statement.
“Kansas City families can’t afford Sharice Davids’ radical, tax-and-spend agenda.
“Davids would burden already-struggling Kansas City families with new taxes when they can least afford them.”
Earlier this week, Politico reported that the chamber was facing a backlash within its own ranks because it was positioning to back about two dozen freshmen House Democrats for reelection.
Concern was voiced over whether the endorsed Democrats demonstrated a pro-business record that an endorsement would signal.
