The Boxborough businessman has been endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals.  NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping public policy issues that affect small business.

Hayes also has received the endorsement of Citizens for Limited Taxation (CLT).  Hayes’ support for limiting both government spending and taxation won him the nod from CLT.

Hayes, a lifelong Independent who joined the Republican party prior to beginning his campaign for State Representative of the 37^th Middlesex District, has also received the endorsements of the Republican Town Committees of Shirley, Lunenburg, Acton, Boxborough, Harvard, and Lancaster.

Hayes’ list of endorsers also includes several colleagues from IBM who attest to Hayes’ character and tenacious ability to ‘get the job’ done inside the highly dynamic and political environment in which he thrives.  These same colleagues will have to do without Hayes full time assistance if he is elected, as Hayes has committed to be a full-time legislator and part-time IBMer if elected.

Commenting on the endorsements, Hayes said, “I am proud to have received the endorsement from NFIB.  As I have stated throughout my campaign, the voters have a clear choice this year when it comes to the type of experience they want on Beacon Hill.  Small business leaders agree that I am the candidate with the business experience and perspective needed to make Massachusetts better able to retain and attract the very businesses we need to have a healthy, sustainable economy.”

On the CLT endorsement, Hayes said, “Massachusetts is a prime example of too much government and too much taxation.  I look forward to working with the Governor, who now realizes that growth in state spending must be reduced, to reform our state government and prioritize so we can hold the line on taxes.  The endorsement from Citizens for Limited Taxation is further evidence that I am the candidate who will work for my constituents to hold Beacon Hill accountable to live within its means just as businesses and families must do every day.”

Continuing, Hayes added, “I am pleased to have the personal endorsement of several professional colleagues.  They have worked with me day in and day out for years and their acknowledgement of my tenacity, skills, and ability to ‘get the job done’ is much appreciated.  These colleagues won’t be working with me quite as many hours if I am elected.  As I have said many times, I will be my districts’ full-time Representative and advocate.  I will be a part-time IBMer.  After my family, my top priority will be my oath, duty, and responsibilities as State Representative.  While I will keep a toe in the ‘real world’ of business by working limited part-time hours at IBM, my career will be in the background as I fully dedicate myself to serving my constituents”

Finally, commenting on endorsements from elected officials, Hayes said, “I am honored to have the personal backing, support, and votes of several locally elected ‘non-partisan’ officials in our towns.  However, I have chosen not to inject their endorsements into this race.  As a lifelong ‘non-partisan’ Independent, I see a possible conflict of interest when Selectman and others elected in specifically ‘non-partisan’ local elections then endorse a party candidate running for State or Federal office.  If I am elected, I will be working with and for these local officials on many issues.  It is unnecessarily divisive and presents a possible conflict of interest when Selectman and other ‘non-partisan’ office holders publicly take sides and endorse a party candidate; especially when that endorsement comes long before all candidates are even known or compared side-by-side.  Even more questionable is when locally elected ‘non-partisan’ officials take formal roles on the campaign team for a party candidate, as is the case with my opponent and several ‘non-partisan’ officeholders in Lunenburg.”