Local chamber had nothing to do with negative political ad

LACONIA — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been running attack television ads aimed at Democratic Congressman Paul Hodes of Concord, now a candidate for U.S. Senate, and Karmen Gifford, the executive director for the Lakes Region Chamber wants the public to know that her organization has nothing to do with the negative messages.

"We're non-partisan," she said, explaining that although the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce was at one point a member of the national organization, it has not renewed its membership for many years. Her office fielded two calls from members who were upset about the perceived relationship, which inspired Gifford to send out a e-mail to her members clarifying the situation.

"We have experienced this situation in past election years and we have had some recent concern from individuals who have taken issue with today's ads and confused the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce (your local chamber) with the U.S. Chamber. We are distinct, separate organizations independent of one another," the statement reads.

"It is a very touchy area," Gifford said in explaining the press release, especially since some members of the chamber are running for political office. "We do not endorse," she said.