(Feb. 28, 2008) -- The LB Area Chamber of Commerce's Political Action Committee has endorsed the reelection of Sixth District Councilman Dee Andrews over challenger Ahmed Carl Saafir.

The action is a reversal of one year ago when the Chamber endorsed Mr. Saafir in a May 2007 special election to succeed Laura Richardson (who advanced to the Assembly in Nov. 2006).

In that multi-candidate field, Mr. Andrews won by energizing a constituency largely ignored by candidates -- Cambodian-American voters -- and forged a grassroots coalition by running against what he called "special interests" who though they could automatically win LB elections.

In its release endorsing Councilman Andrews, the Chamber PAC said he's "been in office for just over six months and in that time it was clear to the PAC board members he has determined the single most important goal for his district: jobs."

In May 2007, Mayor Bob Foster and many local Dems endorsed labor union (AFSCME) rep Al Austin...and the Chamber backed Mr. Saafir. Mr. Austin finished second; Mr. Saafir finished third.

TheDistrictWeekly.com adds substance and texture with a piece Theo Douglas who broke the story last night, click here.

As previously reported by LBReport.com, Chamber Board CEO/Pres Randy Gordon indicated his leanings in late November 2007 during Q & A at the Jr. Chamber's Beer & Politics (monthly freewheeling political forums). Mr. Gordon stopped short of endorsing Andrews at that time but said he's "doing a pretty good job" and his actions appeared to be "business-friendly."

Mr. Gordon added (in responding to another question) that he believes the Chamber's 2007 efforts in the 6th district were successful, saying that if the Chamber hadn't been involved, the union-backed candidate (Al Austin) would have won the race.