The right-leaning San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce on Monday announced three endorsements — including a Democrat.
Winning chamber backing are Republican Rep. Darrell Issa for re-election in the 49th Congressional District, Democrat Assembly Speaker Emeritus Toni Atkins for state Senate and Deputy District Attorney Robert Hickey, a GOP member, for San Diego city attorney.
“As we move forward towards the November elections, the chamber is evaluating the races and candidates we feel will be leaders for San Diego business, the growth of the economy, and creation of jobs throughout the region,” said Jerry Sanders, chamber president and CEO.
“Congressman Issa and Speaker Emeritus Atkins have long been friends of the chamber and worked to support our initiatives when possible,” Sanders said. “We see the city attorney seat as an important race in the upcoming election and after talking with Mr. Hickey, believe he has the credentials that would make a very sound choice for city attorney.”
The chamber’s Board of Directors voted in support of the endorsement at its regular monthly meeting July 28, said a statement.
During the meeting, the board heard remarks from and asked questions of Issa and Hickey. Speaker Emeritus Atkins, who was out of town during the board meeting, will address the board at a future date.
“I’m honored to have the endorsement of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, recognizing my strong efforts to create jobs and strengthen our local economy here in San Diego County,” Issa said. “I was elected to House of Representatives to build our economy, to create good-paying jobs for middle-class Americans, and to help ensure our small and local businesses have an environment that allows them to grow and get ahead. I’m pleased to be recognized for those efforts and look forward to continuing to fight for San Diego families and businesses in Congress.”
Speaker Emeritus Atkins stated: “I greatly appreciate the endorsement of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. San Diego’s innovation economy is one of the most exciting engines powering California’s future.
“During my tenure in the California State Assembly, I have advocated for legislation and initiatives that promote a healthy business climate that facilitates job creation and revenue benefiting all Californians. I look forward to serving in the state Senate where I will continue to work with local and state business leaders to ensure that we continue to grow our economy.”
Hickey said: “I am honored by the support of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. Small businesses are the foundation of our economy. I am committed to cutting the red tape in the City and make sure all businesses have the support they need to create more good-paying jobs for working families here in San Diego.”
In the November election, Hickey faces Deputy City Attorney Mara Elliott, a Democrat. Issa is being challenged by Democrat Doug Applegate, and Atkins faces Republican John Renison.
This is the fourth round of endorsements the Chamber has made in the 2016 elections.
Most recently, the chamber endorsed Ray Ellis for City Council and Kristin Gaspar for county supervisor. Earlier this year, the chamber announced the endorsements of Congressman Scott Peters, Mayor Kevin Faulconer, county Supervisor Greg Cox and San Diego City Council members Mark Kersey and Scott Sherman.