Chamber Prez: GOP Has No Chance In 2016 If It Blocks Immigration Reform

Tom Donohue, President and CEO, US Chamber of Commerce, speaks to reporters after President Barack Obama spoke about immigration reform in the East Room of the White House on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, in Washington. Th... Tom Donohue, President and CEO, US Chamber of Commerce, speaks to reporters after President Barack Obama spoke about immigration reform in the East Room of the White House on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, in Washington. The Senate is preparing to cast the first votes on a landmark bill that offers the best chance in decades to remake the nation's immigration system and offer eventual citizenship to millions. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) MORE LESS
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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has strongly supported Republican candidates and priorities in recent years. So it was notable when its leader on Monday said the GOP shouldn’t even bother to field a presidential nominee in 2016 if it doesn’t pass immigration reform.

“If the Republicans don’t do it they shouldn’t bother to run a candidate in 2016. I mean, think about that. Think about who the voters are,” Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue said at a Washington, D.C. panel about the economy and infrastructure.

Donohue said he believes immigration reform is still doable in 2014 even though it’s an election year. The Republican-led House has signaled it won’t act.

The Chamber supported the Senate-passed immigration bill and has called for visa reforms that make it easier for businesses to hire and retain skilled foreign workers.

[h/t Kevin Robillard]

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