Washington, D.C., Nov 3 -

House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) has released the following statement announcing his candidacy for the Chairmanship of the House Small Business Committee:

“My Republican colleagues and I have made a Pledge to America that we will listen and enact a governing agenda that reflects the will of the people.  It is with that in mind that I announce my intent to pursue the Chairmanship of the House Small Business Committee.

“The top priority for the new Republican Majority in the House will be putting Americans back to work.  The issues that will be addressed in the 112th Congress will have a unique impact on our nation’s employers, and must be carefully evaluated to protect the best interests of our job creators.  Small businesses are often relegated to Washington talking points; it’s time that this pillar of our economy becomes the primary focus of our actions. 

“As a sixth generation farmer and small business owner, I know well the trials and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs.  Given the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the House Small Business Committee, I will fight to reinvigorate America’s private sector while putting an end to the devastating uncertainty that has plagued small businesses for far too long.  These are the priorities I will discuss with my colleagues in the coming weeks as I seek their support to serve in this critical post.”