John L. Byrne, a small business owner from Cape Vincent who is the Republican and Independence Party candidate for the state Assembly’s 116th “River District,” is among a great many political candidates around the country receiving the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business this week.

Byrne was also the apparent winner of a primary contest this week choosing a Republican to challenge incumbent Democrat Assemblywoman Addie Russell of Theresa in the November election.

“My first priority as our area’s next assemblyman is to improve our economy, and to create a better future so that hardworking men and women of the North Country can find opportunity and better jobs, and our children will no longer have to move out of state to pursue their dreams,” said Byrne in a press release Thursday.

“Having the support of small business is essential as I fight to cut taxes and red tape, so that New York can shed its well-earned reputation as one of the worst places to start and turn a business, and everyone in the North Country has the chance to succeed.”

“This election is critical to the economic present and future of New York,” said Mike Durant, NFIB/NY State Director, who said candidates receiving the group’s endorsement have “shown a commitment to advocating strongly on behalf of small business.”

Small businesses make up 99 percent of employers in New York State, and are responsible for more than half of the jobs, according to Byrne’s press release.

The 116th Assembly District includes the cities of Watertown and Ogdensburg, the St. Lawrence County towns of Canton, DePeyster, Hammond, Lisbon, Louisville, Macomb, Massena, Morristown, Oswegatchie, Potsdam, Rossie and Waddington, and other parts of Jefferson County.