Associated Builders and Contractors

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national U.S. trade association representing the merit shop construction industry. ABC is association of 70 chapters with 21,000 commercial contractors and construction-related firms among its members.^[1] The association was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1950 to advocate "for free enterprise and open competition in the U.S. construction industry."^[2] ABC's strategic partners are Maxwell Systems, specializing in construction software,^[3] and CNA, specializing in insurance for the construction industry. Their positions regarding the Davis-Bacon Act and ProjectLaborAgreements often pit them in political battles against labor unions from the building trades.^[4] The Center for Responsive Politics has designated ABC as a "Heavy Hitter", rating it among the largest overall contributors to federal elections over the past two decades.^[5] The group also ranks among the 50 largest trade associations in the nation according to Washington Business Journal.^[6] ABC endorsed Governor Mitt Romney during the 2012 Republican primary after the candidate addressed its national board, and backed him in his general election race against President Barack Obama.^[7]

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