In a blow to the campaign of wealthy businessman John Raese (R), West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) earned the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in the special election to fill the seat of the late Sen. Robert Byrd (D).

In the campaign against the popular governor, Republicans have been trying to paint Manchin as a loyal ally of President Barack Obama who has supported wasteful spending programs that are bad for business.

But the endorsement by the chamber gives Manchin cover against those attacks from a group that is more often known for supporting Republicans.

“From cutting taxes on businesses and workers, to supporting common sense energy policies, Joe has been an independent voice in West Virginia,” said Lisa Rickard, executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber, in a release Monday.