July 22, 2016 / Modified jul 22, 2016 7:27 a.m.

US Hispanic Chamber Backs Clinton; Tucsonan Understands

Tucson Chamber's president says social issues equal fiscal issues in endorsements.

Lea Marquez-Peterson Spot Lea Marquez-Peterson, head of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, addresses some of the economic implications of the nations changing demographics.
AZPM

The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has endorsed presumptive Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton for November's presidential election.

This is the first time the group has endorsed a presidential candidate, though it has weighed in on other races in the past. It has already pledged its support to Arizona Sen. John McCain in his bid for re-election this year.

The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has no plans to support a presidential candidate, but the group's president and CEO understands why the national group would do so.

“We’re in an interesting position because as business owners and business leaders, which the majority of our 1,800 members are, you tend to want to look to a government that is a little more limited, it’s not adding regulations, it’s concerned for business taxation, and that is certainly top of mind for us,” said Lea Marquez-Peterson.

On the other hand, she said she understands social issues can be equally important.

“I think anyone would realize that some of the comments that have been very divisive that Donald Trump has made have resonated in a negative way with the Hispanic community,” she said.

Marquez-Peterson said she herself is a registered Republican, and the members of her organization are split between the political parties.

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