Election Analysis: NAM Sees Opportunity in Political Upheaval

06-253

CONTACT:
HANK COX; JAY TIMMONS

Timmons Expects New Congress To Seek Consensus

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 8, 2006 – “Tuesday’s election upheaval should be seen not as a radical shift to the political left, but rather an expression of widespread frustration,” said Jay Timmons, Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Relations of the National Association of Manufacturers.  “I believe Rep. Nancy Pelosi will assume the House Speaker’s gavel with a determination to deliver results for the American people to enable her party to govern beyond two years.  To do that, I anticipate she and her leadership team will bring nontraditional allies together to forge consensus on key issues, and that will include the business community.”

Timmons acknowledged that manufacturing lost many stalwart friends in the elections, many of whom have won the NAM’s Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence, and that their support will be missed.  “We extend our thanks to them,” Timmons said, “but the voters have spoken.  We are optimistic that the incoming legislators share our interest in strengthening the U.S. economy and creating more jobs.  During the campaigns, most clearly staked out their positions in the political center, not the extreme.  We will welcome them to Washington and seek to work with them.

“Sometimes a new Congress creates fresh opportunities for positive legislation if only because the new legislators bring with them a fresh attitude,” Timmons said. “The importance of manufacturing to our country transcends political considerations.  The American people have made it clear they are weary of the negative tone of public discourse in Washington that prevents action on important issues.”

Timmons said the NAM will work aggressively with the lame-duck Congress for action on long overdue legislation – particularly development of OCS natural gas resources and renewal of the research and development tax credit.  “These are things that should have been done long ago,” he said.

“Come January, we will work with the 110th Congress under the assumption that the new Congressional leaders want to build a successful track record,” Timmons said.  “We can put partisanship aside and work together for economic growth. If we do, much can be accomplished for America’s manufacturing economy and the 14 million employees who work there.”

To view today’s press briefing:  http://www.nam.org/electionpressconference.

The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation’s largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.  Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 10 additional offices across the country.  Visit the NAM’s award-winning web site at www.nam.org for more information about manufacturing and the economy.