After decades of sitting on the political sidelines, the NAHB is going to take sides in this year’s elections.

For the first time since it was founded in 1942, National Association of Home Builders will endorse candidates before the Nov. 8 elections.

"As housing goes, so goes the economy," said NAHB Chairman Ed Brady, a builder and developer from Bloomington, Illinois. "This election could determine if the housing and economic recovery stays on track or veers off course. The incumbents and candidates from both political parties that NAHB will be endorsing have all exhibited a commitment to advance policies that will promote home ownership and rental housing opportunities for all Americans."

The issues most important to the association include ensuring home financing remains affordable reducing the regulatory burden for builders. NAHB officials will consult with state and local leaders in endorsing congressional candidates. It will not make any endorsements in the presidential election, officials said.

A full list of endorsements will be released in coming weeks.