U.S. Chamber of Commerce Backs Democrat, Congressman Peters

In a high profile, targeted Congressional race between incumbent Democrat Congressman Scott Peters and Republican former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has decided to back the Democrat – the fourth Democrat to receive the Chamber’s endorsement this year.

“What this shows is that I really am the candidate that’s working across the aisles. I’m not just a member of one of the partisan armies,” Peters told the San Diego Union-Tribune in a Tuesday interview.

The endorsement letter from Tom Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, was posted along with the U-T’s Wednesday announcement of the endorsement. The letter stated in part, “It is the Chamber’s goal to help elect a pro-business majority in Congress and work diligently in support of the interests of businesses to advance legislation that encourages economic growth, job creation, and a less intrusive federal government. Your record of support on pro-business issues earned this endorsement.”

DeMaio campaign spokesman Dave McCulloch told Breitbart News, “We’re not surprised that a special interest group in DC is trying to protect Members of Congress – they like the system the way it is. They know Carl DeMaio is coming to end the perks for this crowd.”

The Chamber endorsement letter conveyed an intention to “encourage the business community to vigorously support your [Peters’] candidacy and will be in direct contact with our members and voters in your district promoting you as our candidate of choice.”

According to the U-T, the endorsement did not come with any immediate monetary contribution; however, it was not clear whether any monetary support may be provided in coming weeks.

Ads have been running for both sides in this race for weeks already, and both Republicans and Democrats have acknowledged the targeting of this seat as a priority among November 2014 general election races. There is no sign that this race will do anything but heat up with just about a month until vote-by-mail ballots arrive in voters’ mailboxes.