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. The association was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1950 to advocate “for free enterprise and open competition in the U.S. construction industry.” ABC’s strategic partners are Maxwell Systems, specializing in construction software, and CNA, specializing in insurance for the construction industry. Their positions regarding the Davis-Bacon Act and Project Labor Agreements often pit them in political battles against labor unions from the building trades. 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. The group also ranks among the 50 largest trade associations in the nation according to Washington Business Journal. 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.
