Business group endorses Valentine in 23rd District House race

The National Federation of Independent Business said Tuesday it is endorsing Del. Shannon Valentine, D-Lynchburg, for re-election.

The nationwide group, which represents small businesses, based its endorsements on Valentine’s voting record and answers to a questionnaire, said Julia Hammond, its spokeswoman.

“She was the only Democrat to vote for the right-to-work constitutional amendment” that was proposed in this year’s General Assembly, Hammond said.  The amendment passed in the House of Delegates 56-43, but was defeated in a Senate committee.

Valentine’s opponent, Republican Scott Garrett, also responded to the NFIB questionnaire and “did a good job,” Hammond said. The business leaders who decide on NFIB endorsements preferred Valentine’s answers and votes, although she voted with the group’s positions on key bills 63 percent of the time, Hammond said.

Earlier, the NFIB had announced endorsements of Del. Lacey Putney, I-Bedford, and Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge.