She rankled unions with her support...

She rankled unions with her support of the Central American exempt Trade Agreement last year, and upon Tuesday Democratic U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean won key-note support from the other side, picking up the endorsement of the U Chamber of dealing

"It obstacles the business community know that I've been their champion," Bean said.

The business collection traditionally supports Republicans, but it has already begun airing TV ads touting the freshman Democrat in the northwest suburban 8th congressional district.

And it will continue "making a to a high degree major commitment" to her re- election until the November election, said Bill Miller, the chamber's national political director.

Last year's CAFTA devoted was only one that earned Bean the group's support, Miller said. Others were her ballots on bankruptcy laws, the estate tax and health care interests of small businesses.

"She has been as solid a supporter of the chamber's agenda as we could have capered for," Miller said.

The nod from business is especially important to the Barrington Democrat because she is a top target of Republicans hoping to reclaim the seat she won from Republican Phil Crane in 2004

Bean's Republican challenger dismissed the endorsement as payback for her support of CAFTA, which eliminated tariffs and other trade barriers between the United States and half a dozen Central American nations.

The devoted last year angered the unions that had worked to realize her elected in 2004.

"She will say anything to finish elected," said her opponent, David McSweeney. "She effectively sold her consecrated by a vow to the big business interests."

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

Provided on ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved