Business group mounts blitz for 20 million jobs

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched a multimillion dollar advertising campaign Wednesday to promote job growth and call attention to what it sees as the dangers of government meddling in the private marketplace.

The nation’s largest business group said its “Campaign for Free Enterprise” has a goal of encouraging the creation of more than 20 million jobs over the next decade.

“That’s how many jobs we must have to re-employ the unemployed and keep pace with a growing population,” said chamber President Thomas Donohue. “The government can support a few jobs in the short run. But over the long run, only the private sector — powered by free enterprise — can keep America working.”

Some 7.2 million jobs have been lost due to the deepest recession since the 1930s, which began in December 2007.

Donohue told reporters that the campaign was not intended to be partisan but “to build a compelling case for free enterprise.”

Yet the effort appears to challenge some of President Barack Obama’s job-creation rhetoric and initiatives. Job creation is expected to be a major issue in next year’s midterm congressional elections.

The chamber has crossed swords with the administration on its proposals for a new financial consumer protection agency and to require companies to pay for the right to emit greenhouse gases.

“There are plans afoot to weigh down America’s once vibrant capital markets with excessive regulations, and to raise taxes on our most productive citizens,” Donohue said.

The Chamber’s campaign, expected to cost about $25 million, includes a new Web site and television ads that began running on cable networks on Wednesday. It will also feature town-hall style meetings on college campuses and what the organization calls “national engagement, community outreach and educational efforts.”

“This is not a 90-day wonder. We’re here to stay,” said Donohue.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce claims a membership of 3 million businesses and organizations.

On the Net:

Chamber of Commerce’s “Campaign for Free Enterprise” site: www.20millionjobchallenge.com