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

For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 10 – Presidential candidate Gov. John Kasich (R-Ohio) addressed and responded to questions from members of a coalition of major nationwide business groups in a TeleForum today. Kasich answered questions from members of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Associated General Contractors, Business-Industry Political Action Committee, National Association of Manufacturers, National Federation of Independent Business and National Retail Federation.

“The construction industry faces many obstacles to economic growth including an arduous regulatory system, the challenge of finding affordable health care coverage for employees, the highest effective tax rate of any industry and a growing shortage of appropriately skilled workers,” said ABC President and CEO Michael Bellaman. “Associated Builders and Contractors members are also reliant on a healthy overall economy as more economic growth in the broader economy leads to more construction and more construction jobs across the country.

“ABC was founded upon a philosophy that embraces free enterprise and our members will support the candidate that will create the best environment for the economy to grow while providing leadership for the merit shop construction industry,” said Bellaman. “We are pleased to provide the opportunity for our members to discuss important issues affecting the construction industry directly with Gov. Kasich and appreciate the governor taking the time to explain his plan for economic growth directly with ABC members.”

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

Gov. Kasich is the fourth presidential candidate to accept the coalition of business groups’ invitation to address and answer questions from its members, following a Nov. 4 TeleForum with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) Nov. 17 TeleForum with Gov. Jeb Bush and Dec. 2 TeleForum with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). The other candidates invited to speak with the groups are (in alphabetical order):

• Dr. Ben Carson
• Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
• Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina
• Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
• 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.