Republican challenger Russell Prescott was endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses Fed PAC

Rep. Chris Pappas, center, was endorsed Oct. 7 by Manchester entrepreneur Elizabeth Hitchcock and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, represented by Stephen McAllister, right. (Courtesy photo)

Rep. Chris Pappas has received the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the three-term District 1 congressman announced Oct. 7.

“To me, this is about fighting for a thriving economy that includes New Hampshire’s Main Street businesses, and I’ve got some experience in that world,” said Pappas, who co-owns the Puritan Backroom restaurant. “I grew up in a family business right here in Manchester. We’ve only been open for 107 years.”

The endorsement from the chamber, which has a history of advocating for fiscally conservative policies, underscores the role of the economy and small business issues in the Nov. 5 election.

Pappas’ Republican challenger, Russell Prescott of Kingston, who also operates a family business, was recently endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses Fed PAC. The former five-term state senator, who was elected to the state’s Executive Council in 2016 and 2018, owns R.E. Prescott Company, a wholesale distributor and manufacturer of water treatment systems in Exeter founded by his father in 1954, according to his campaign website.

“Russell Prescott’s decades of experience owning and operating his own business will be valuable in Washington, D.C.,” said Bruce Berke, NFIB New Hampshire state director, in a statement on Sept. 26. “As a New Hampshire State Senator, Russell proved his support for small businesses, and we’re confident he will be an asset in Congress as a supporter of making the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent.”

Stephen P. McAllister, vice president, Eastern region, for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, credited Pappas for being “a leader on bipartisan legislation,” citing his work on the federal infrastructure bill that provided funds for roads and bridges as well as broadband internet.

McAllister noted Pappas’ support of restoring the federal research and development tax credit and his commitment to making child care and housing more affordable.

“Chris stands with our small business community, and we need to stand with him. His ability to cut through the noise and deliver bipartisan solutions is exactly what I need and we need in Washington,” McAllister said during a press conference at the Palace Theatre’s Spotlight Room in Manchester.

Also speaking on behalf of Pappas was Manchester entrepreneur Elizabeth Hitchcock, whose businesses include The Bookery on Elm Street and The Factory residential and business center on Willow Street, also home to Manchester Distillery.

“Growing up in a family’s restaurant and working behind the counter scooping ice cream, Chris understands the challenges small businesses face,” said Hitchcock, who also serves on the board of St. Mary’s Bank credit union.

Prescott responded to an email request for comment from NH Business Review with a statement from his campaign.

“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce embraced parts of Joe Biden’s economic policies, including his $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill, and it’s no surprise they once again endorsed Congressman Chris Pappas, who also supports the Biden-Harris progressive agenda,” the statement said.

“As an engineer and small business owner, Russell Prescott is proud to have the endorsement of the New Hampshire NFIB Chapter, which represents small business owners across New Hampshire, because he believes in less spending and lower taxes.”