Chamber Sees Reform as an Attack on Free Enterprise

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce "has emerged as a multitasking, multimillion-dollar defender of the private sector against presidential initiatives," reports Associated Press. It's launched a $2 million campaign to oppose a "public option" in the healthcare reform plan, but -- to further the interests of the insurance industry -- wants "to work with the White House to mandate coverage for all." It's slamming the public insurance option in "newspaper and online ads ... targeted to moderate Democrats and Republicans in five states." On financial reform and re-regulation, the Chamber "recently organized the financial industry to call for a delay in legislation that would set up a consumer protection agency." It also opposes "proposals that would require shareholders to vote on executive pay packages, even if the votes are nonbinding." Fearing that the "free enterprise system ... is under attack," the Chamber is "readying an ambitious $100 million campaign to advocate for businesses." The Chamber's pro-capitalism campaign "will be timed to lead into the 2010 congressional elections," placing further pressure on members of Congress wavering on upcoming healthcare and financial reform votes.