Contact: Jeff Leieritz (202) 905-2104              [email protected]

For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 4 – Presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) addressed and responded to questions from members of a coalition of major nationwide business groups in a TeleForum this evening. Rubio answered questions from members of the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Associated General Contractors, the Business-Industry Political Action Committee, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Federation of Independent Business and the National Retail Federation.

“Our 21,000 members are affected by policies stemming from the executive branch on a daily basis and will rally behind the candidate who will provide the best opportunity for economic growth and a fair and level playing field for merit shop contractors,” said ABC President and CEO Michael Bellaman. “The construction industry is largely reliant on the health of the larger economy, and greater economic growth means more work for ABC members and more construction jobs across the country.

“Our industry faces a long list of challenges including the highest effective tax rate of any industry, a burdensome regulatory environment, a shortage of appropriately skilled workers and the constant challenge of obtaining affordable health care coverage for their employees amid rising costs,” said Bellaman. “ABC was founded on our members’ commitment to free enterprise, and we appreciate the opportunity to hear Sen. Rubio’s plan for economic growth and a less burdensome business environment directly from the Senator.”

The 2016 election cycle marks the third consecutive presidential campaign cycle that candidates have addressed and responded to questions from ABC members.

Sen. Rubio is the first presidential candidate to accept the coalition of business groups’ invitation to address and answer questions from its members. The other candidates invited to speak with the groups are (in alphabetical order):

• Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush
• Dr. Ben Carson
• Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
• Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)
• Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina
• Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
• Ohio Gov. John Kasich
• Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
• Businessman Donald Trump

The candidates qualified for the initial invitation by maintaining at least four percent in the Real Clear Politics average of polls during the period starting from the first GOP debate and ending on Labor Day. Should additional candidates average at least four percent for a 30-day time period prior to the start of voting, an invitation to participate will be sent to them.