Former Thayer Aerospace founder Mike Pompeo has won personal endorsements from top executives at four out of five of Wichita’s OEMs in the race to fill the 4th congressional district seat being vacated by Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kans.).

Cessna’s Jack Pelton, Spirit AeroSystems’ Jeff Turner, Hawker Beechcraft’s Bill Boisture and David Coleal of Bombardier Learjet have endorsed the campaign, citing his familiarity with business aviation, Pompeo told Aviation Week yesterday.

Pompeo, who is running as a Republican, says he’s thankful for the support of the OEM executives. “I had 450 employees and families that depended on me to grow the business in Wichita. I was there when we had the last downturn,” he stated. “I’m proud to have these leaders’ support as they try to grow and support their employees too. I was a supplier to those folks and they have been supportive because they know I get it.”

These executives know it is important to have someone in place who understands the economics of the business, said Pompeo. “I don’t have to spool up on [business aviation] issues when I get to Washington. I know that all these people want is a level playing field and an environment where they can do their jobs,” he said.

Photo credit: Pompeo For Congress