On the other side, right-wing groups also view the elections as a crucial path to victory in their tactical and policy brawls with House and Senate GOP leaders. And conservatives believe they have new wind at their backs now after scoring a major win with Speaker John A. Boehner’s surprise resignation.

The goal of the chamber and other like-minded industry organizations is clear: Elect business-friendly Republicans in contested primaries to strengthen their hand during policy debates on the Hill. Some of business’ top targets in 2016 will be right-wing, tea party candidates, the types that have bucked the corporate agenda in Congress by supporting government shutdowns, opposing an immigration overhaul and attempting to close the Export-Import Bank.

“We made it quite clear last cycle: The gang that wants to shut down the government, that’s a clear contrast to what the business community agrees is best for economic growth,” says Scott Reed, the chamber’s senior political strategist.