The U.S Chamber of Commerce said State Sen. Tom McClintock is their man in the 4th Congressional District race Wednesday, saying his policy positions match what businesses need.

"We're looking for candidates with real economic principles," said John Reid, the chamber's senior director of editorial communications, in a press conference announcing the endorsement at the chamber's Sacramento office.

"When we talk about environmental sensitivity, which we know is important in California, we look at the candidate who wants to balance those needs and not make decisions that will wreck our economy," Reid said.

He specifically listed McClintock's push for more domestic oil drilling and opposition to higher taxes and the elimination of a private ballot in unionization votes as reasons to support him.

"Any election where someone is looking over your shoulder is a sham," said McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks).

U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Gold River), who represents the neighboring 3rd Congressional District, said McClintock's positions on government overspending and the need for more domestic oil production would be positions of common sense and substance in Washington, D.C.

"I know Tom McClintock as someone who stands up for the little guy," Lungren said at the press conference.

McClintock is faciing Democrat Charlie Brown of Roseville in the 4th District, with registration favoring Republicans. The Pindell Report describes the race as a likely Republican victory.

EARLIER on PolitickerCA.com:

• McClintock criticizes Brown for shift on oil drilling
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce to endorse McClintock