With the August 2 primary election just days away, a trio of organizations aligned with the Arizona business community has begun to announce their endorsements for the state legislature.
The Arizona Association of Realtors, the Greater Phoenix Chamber and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry have all moved to make their endorsements known over the last several days.
“Each election cycle, the Arizona Chamber works hard to identify those candidates who we believe will be strong champions for pro-growth policies that support job creation and who will advance our state’s competitive position in a global economy,” Arizona Chamber President and CEO Danny Seiden told ChamberBusinessNews.com. “This year is no different, and we’re proud to support a bipartisan slate of incumbents and challengers who most align with the priorities and principles of Arizona’s business community.”
With the board of directors entrusted with making the final decision, The Arizona Chamber endorsed incumbents based on their voting record on business issues, while new candidates can earn Chamber approval after completing a questionnaire and interview with the Political Affairs Committee.
In all, The Greater Phoenix Chamber Political Action Committee has thrown its public support behind 38 legislative candidates.
“For over 40 years, the Greater Phoenix Chamber Political Action Committee has supported pro-business candidates for state and local offices regardless of political party affiliation,” Chamber PAC Chair John Moody said according to Chamber Business News. “As the political climate becomes more divisive, having business-friendly lawmakers willing to collaborate to advance policies that will support a prosperous economy in the Greater Phoenix region and throughout the state of Arizona is more important than ever.”
Counting more than 57,000 real estate professionals across the state as its client base, the Arizona Realtors endorsed candidates the organization believes to be in full support of issues known to be of interest to the real estate community, homebuyers, sellers, and property owners.
“These candidates exemplify a dedication to the protection of private property rights, balanced regulation, strong communities, and policies that support homeownership and housing for all Arizonans,” Arizona Realtors Government Affairs Director Matt Contorelli said.
All the candidates are wearing the endorsements as a badge of honor, touting them as a way of differentiating themselves from their opponents.
“I’m blessed to be supported by so many organizations working to make Arizona the best state in the nation. Thank you Arizona Chamber for your endorsement,” Rep. Joanne Osborne (R-Goodyear) said. “As a small business owner, I am proud to be a voice for the business community.”