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

[DonViejo]

SAHIL KAPUR – MAY 12, 2014, 1:22 PM EDT

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.

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http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/chamber-of-commerce-republicans-2016-immigration-reform

[Gman]

1. They damn sure won't do it before the primaries are over

[yurbud]

2. two conflicts for the GOP: getting their base to the polls vs getting anyone else to vote for them

and probably the business community likes these occasional amnesty bills to give hope to future illegal immigrants, to keep the flow of cheap labor coming.