Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, and Denise Gitsham, his Republican challenger in the 52nd Congressional District race, both touted endorsements on Wednesday from national business groups.
Peters, a second-term incumbent, announced the backing of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a business lobbying group representing more than 3 million members ranging from mom-and-pop shops and local chambers to large corporations.
The Peters campaign characterized the endorsement as "huge" because the group, which is generally considered to be a conservative organization, rarely endorses Democrats.
"The reforms and investments we need to support job creation and the entrepreneurs that drive our innovation economy take cooperation from both sides," Peters said. "I appreciate this endorsement because it recognizes my ability to work with both political parties to break through the gridlock and get things done."
Gitsham received the endorsement of the Nashville-based National Federation of Independent Business, which bills itself as the largest small business association in the country.
Sharon Sussin, national political director of the National Federation of Independent Business, issued a statement saying Gitsham "would be a strong voice" for small businesses in Washington.
"As a small business owner and NFIB member herself, she knows firsthand how the federal government can create obstacles to economic growth and job creation," Sussin said. "In Congress, she would work to cut through red tape and relieve the crushing tax burden on small businesses."
The 52nd Congressional District includes the cities of Poway, Coronado and most of San Diego.
