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(Jackson, MI) – Hans Schuler, business leader and proprietor of Schuler’s Restaurant, today announced his endorsement of Brian Rooney in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.

“I am proud to endorse Brian Rooney for Congress,” said Schuler. “As a fellow businessman and owner of several businesses, Brian understands the challenges posed by high taxes and onerous regulations. In our discussions, Brian stressed the importance of reducing the tax burden and simplifying government regulation as part of a larger strategy to create a thriving business-friendly and job-friendly environment in Michigan.”

In accepting the endorsement, Rooney said, “I am truly grateful for Mr. Schuler’s support. As chairman and chief executive officer of Schuler’s Restaurant, he has created countless jobs for residents of our congressional district and state. As business owners who have created lasting employment, we know that over-taxation and over-regulation are not effective ways to bring investment and jobs to Michigan. If I am given the honor of serving south-central Michigan in Congress, I will fight to remove these barriers to entrepreneurship and increased employment.

After September 11th, Brian Rooney renewed his commitment to the Marine Corps and served in Iraq between 2004 and 2005. Since leaving the Marine Corps, Rooney has worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law center, a conservative constitutional law firm dedicated to the defense of religious freedom, family values, and the sanctity of human life as well as the promotion of a strong national defense. Rooney serves on the Pittsburgh Steelers Board of Directors and co-owns several other family-run businesses with his brothers and sisters. Rooney was recently endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Background on Michigan Business Leader Hans Schuler

Hans Schuler is chairman and chief executive officer of Schuler’s Inc., through which he owns and operates Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub in Marshall, Michigan. In 1959, he became the third generation to join the family business. He currently serves on the boards of the Marshall Economic Development Advisory Council, the Calhoun County Economic Development Forum, AAA Michigan, the Michigan Historical Center Foundation, and Junior Achievement. Schuler is a past chairman of the Kellogg Foundation’s Underground Railroad Committee. He is also a past president of the Optimist Club and former area chairman of the United Negro College Fund. From 1991 to 1992, Schuler chaired Marshall Forward, a successful strategic planning effort of the greater Marshall area. Between 1985 and 1987, he served as statewide chairman of Michigan Week for the Greater Michigan Foundation. In 1985, he co-chaired the Governor’s Annual Conference on Tourism for the State of Michigan. In 1986, he was honored with the Ambassador and Embassy Tourism Award for his role in making Michigan an attractive vacation and convention destination. Schuler is a member of the Detroit Presidents Organization and is a past chairman of the Young Presidents Organization. He has been a member of the Olivet College Board of Trustees and the board of directors of the Michigan State University hotel and restaurant school alumni organization. Schuler attended Cornell University and holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University’s Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management School. Schuler and his wife, Nancy, reside in Marshall, Michigan.

 

(Jackson, MI) – The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, a statewide business federation representing employers, trade associations, and local county organizations, today announced their endorsement of Brian Rooney in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.

“We are pleased to announce our support of Brian Rooney,” said Michigan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rich Studley. “Voters need to elect a candidate who will get Michigan back to work and who will stop out-of-control government spending and over-regulation. Brian Rooney is the candidate who will get the job done.”

Studley added, “Mark Schauer earned a failing grade on the U.S. Chamber’s Voting Record.”

In accepting the endorsement, Rooney said, “I am grateful and humbled to have the support of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and its members. Being part of several family businesses my entire life, I have personally seen the negative impact of excessive government taxation and regulation." He continued, "I will make it my highest priority to reduce the tax burden and simplify regulation so that Michigan companies can grow and Michiganders can get back to work. I believe that the answer to Michigan’s economic woes is not more government spending and regulation. Rather, it is only through promoting Michigan’s great entrepreneurial spirit and private sector that we will be able to revitalize our state’s economy. I’m running for Congress because I’m tired of President Obama and Congressman Schauer’s agenda of higher taxes, more regulation, out-of-control spending, and increased deficits. Michiganders deserve better.  Michiganders deserve and desire the dignity of having job opportunities for present and future generations."

After September 11th, Brian Rooney renewed his commitment to the Marine Corps and served in Iraq between 2004 and 2005. Since leaving the Marine Corps, Rooney has worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law Center, a not-for-profit public interest law firm dedicated to the defense of religious freedom, family values, and the sanctity of human life as well as the promotion of a strong national defense. Rooney serves on the Pittsburgh Steelers Board of Directors and co-owns several other family businesses with his brothers and sisters. 

Background Information on the Michigan Chamber of Commerce
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,800 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan’s job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. It is one of only four state chambers of commerce in the nation accredited by the United States Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on Brian Rooney, please visit www.RUNWITHROONEY.com.

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(Jackson, MI) - Jim Spink, Liberty Township Supervisor, today announced his endorsement of Brian Rooney in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.

“I am very proud to endorse Brian Rooney for Congress,” said Spink. “Brian’s military background has equipped him with the leadership experience necessary to represent us effectively in Washington. Beyond that, I have been greatly impressed by the breadth and depth of his understanding of business and agricultural issues including the oppressive nature of the capital gains and federal estate taxes. As a sixth generation farmer and businessman, I wholeheartedly endorse Brian Rooney because he understands us and will fight for us in Congress.”

In accepting the endorsement, Rooney said, “I am honored to accept Supervisor Spink’s support.” He continued, “As a fellow business owner, I encountered many of the same challenges that Michigan’s family farms and agribusinesses face today. While traveling across these seven counties, I have met many people who want a return to common sense conservative values. If I am given the honor of serving in Congress, I will fight for a return to these values starting with a repeal of the capital gains and federal estate taxes."

After September 11th, Brian Rooney renewed his commitment to the Marine Corps and served in Iraq between 2004-2005. Since leaving the Corps, Rooney has worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law Center, a not-for-profit public interest law firm dedicated to the protection of religious freedom and promotion of a strong national defense.

Background on Liberty Township Supervisor Jim Spink

Jim Spink received a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University in 1979. He is a 6th generation farmer and currently owns and operates a cash grain business with his brother and father. Spink has been a member of the Jackson County Farm Bureau since 1982 and currently sits on the board of directors and serves as vice president. Spink has also served as chairman of the Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation District for the past two years. He is currently the superintendent of the dairy program at the Jackson Count 4-H Fair and is a 4-H leader. He served as a police officer for 27 years in both the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and Blackman Township Department of Public Safety. Spink was elected Liberty Township Supervisor in 2008.

 

(Jackson, MI) - Kenneth Unterbrink, who serves as supervisor of Lima Township in Washtenaw County, today announced his endorsement of Brian Rooney, Republican candidate for Michigan's 7th Congressional District.

"Brian Rooney is a reflection of the 7th Congressional District,” said Unterbrink.  "His pro-life, pro-second amendment views match those of the majority of this district.  Brian’s understanding of veteran’s issues from first-hand experience will aid the tens of thousands of veterans who have served our country bravely and currently reside in this district.  His experience as both a small and large business owner gives him a unique perspective of what this district needs to get back on path to prosperity and the proper steps the government can take to get out of the way in order for that to happen.  I could not think of a better fit for a representative for our district than Brian Rooney."

"I accept Supervisor Unterbrink’s endorsement and greatly appreciate his support,” said Rooney.  "He has served his community well and provides an understanding of one of the many local communities in this district that will serve me well if elected to Congress.  I look forward to working with him during this campaign and, if elected, working to make sure that the citizens of Lima Township, like all citizens of the 7th Congressional District, are heard loud and clear in Washington.”

Background on Lima Township Supervisor Kenneth Unterbrink:

Kenneth Unterbrink has served as Lima Township Supervisor since 2000.  He has also served on Washtenaw County, Michigan Township Association for 7 years and served as chair. He served on the board of the 7th Congressional District Republican Committee for several years.  Supervisor Unterbrink currently serves on the Washtenaw Homeland Security Task Force, as well as the Board of Directors for the St. Louis Center for Intellectually Developmentally Disabled.  He has been a member of the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization for 41 years in numerous capacities.

 

(Jackson, MI) – Vets for Freedom Political Action Committee, the nation’s largest Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans organization, today announced the inclusion of Brian Rooney in its inaugural “Operation 10-IN-10” candidate list.  Vets for Freedom previously endorsed Rooney in April.

Vets for Freedom PAC assembled this exclusive list to ensure that spending and support is both targeted and effective come November.  Candidates included in “Operation 10-IN-10” will receive one of only ten VFF-PAC endorsements in this election cycle, along with grassroots support, media support, micro-targeted voter guides, phone calls, and robust get-out-the-vote efforts.

“This is the beginning of a movement,” said Pete Hegseth, executive director of Vets for Freedom. “America’s newest warrior class is running to take back Washington, and inject a much needed dose of courage, honor, and principle into Capitol Hill. These men understand the threats we face as a nation, and what it takes to ensure our war-fighters and commanders in the field – especially in Iraq and Afghanistan – have the resources, strategy, and support they need to win.”

In accepting the support, Rooney said, “As a fellow veteran, I am most appreciative for the generous support of Vets for Freedom.”  Rooney continued, “The recent attempted terrorist attacks in Detroit and New York City remind us of the many ever-present threats to our national security.  They further demonstrate the need for the strong and steady leadership of military veterans in Congress.  In these dangerous and trying times, we must always remember that long-term national security must never be sacrificed for short-term political gain.”

After September 11th, Brian Rooney renewed his commitment to the Marine Corps and served in combat in Iraq from 2004-2005. Since leaving the Corps, Rooney has worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law Center, a not-for-profit public interest law firm dedicated to the protection of religious freedom and promotion of a strong national defense.

Background on Vets for Freedom

Vets for Freedom PAC is a federal political action committee that supports candidates and policymakers from both sides of the aisle who stand behind our generation of warriors, and who put long-term national security before short-term partisan political gain.  Established by combats veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on Veterans Day, 2007, VFF-PAC will endorse and support Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who support victory on the battlefield. VFF-PAC is the leading Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans organization in America.