The city's number one lobbying group has announced its endorsement for the 2012 mayoral race. The Portland Business Alliance announced this afternoon that it's giving its support (and, likely, tens of thousands of dollars) to one Eileen Brady.

From their release:

"Eileen Brady will bring a fresh perspective as well as a business perspective to City Hall. Throughout this process, we asked candidates about their views on private-sector job retention and creation, and Eileen has demonstrated to us that she supports our jobs agenda and is committed to improving our economy.”

This endorsement will no doubt help Brady's campaign among the business community, but it might actually hurt her among progressives, since the PBA backs controversial measures like the Sit-Lie Ordinance.