The Association of Washington Business (AWB), Washington State’s oldest and largest statewide business association, has endorsed Gregg Bennett in the race for State Senate seat 48.

Bennett is running in the 48th Legislative District against incumbent Rodney Tom, Democrat.

“This fall, voters will have the opportunity to make some crucial decisions about the future of our state, how we position ourselves to emerge from this recession,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “The leaders we send or return to the Legislature will face many pressing issues, including how to deal with a growing $4.5 billion budget deficit. AWB’s endorsements reflect those concerns, and those of the 7,000+ small, medium and large employers we represent.”

Stated Gary Chandler, AWB vice president of Government Affairs, “Our members have been very vocal about the need to cut spending and reset state government. We are confident Gregg Bennett is the right guy to do this job.”

Bennett said: “I’m pleased to earn the support of Washington’s employers. If we are truly going to get our state working again we must support opportunities to help private sector employers create new jobs by making Washington more competitive. I’m ready to use my background as a business coach to make it a top priority that the 2011 Legislature protect jobs already located in the state and attract new ones.”

Bennett and Lauren, his wife of 20 years, have two teenage children, Scott and Kate, both of whom attended Bellevue High School. Bennett is an

entrepreneur who coaches local technology companies and has helped over 25 Northwest-based start-up and early-stage companies become self-sustaining

businesses.