The lone Democrat in Idaho's congressional delegation, freshman Rep. Walt Minnick, earned a significant endorsement Tuesday in his re-election bid.  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, representing millions of businesses across the United States, gave Minnick the nod over his Republican opponent, Raul Labrador.

An official with the group says that Minnick has voted in a very pro-business manner in his first 17 months on the job.  “In just one term, Walt has already shown a strong record of standing up for the businesses and workers of Idaho during some of the state’s most challenging economic times,” said Bill Miller, senior vice president and political director for the chamber.  “He has a common sense approach to job creation and getting America back on the road to recovery.”

Minnick's campaign spokesman, John Foster, said the Democratic congressman is thrilled to have the support of the chamber.  "Walt is obviously pleased and honored to have the endorsement," Foster said. "His lifetime of experience as an Idaho businessman, his strong stance for fiscal accountability and his work to reign in deficit spending all point to why he's so well-positioned for re-election in November. He's the kind of experienced leader Idahoans trust."

The Labrador campaign has not commented on Tuesday's events.