The national Chamber of Commerce has historically been regarded as a fairly conservative organization, but recently it has taken some positions that put it at odds with many conservative voters. In one case, it joined with the Obama administration in an unsuccessful legal challenge of an Arizona law cracking down on employers who hire illegal immigrants. Voters, especially Republicans, strongly support such a law. More recently the Chamber has been pushing for a bipartisan deal to raise the federal debt ceiling despite Republican opposition to tax increases Democrats want to make part of that deal.
Still, 52% of GOP voters hold a favorable opinion of the Chamber, a view shared by only 36% of Democrats and 37% of voters not affiliated with either of the major parties.
Eighty-six percent (86%) of GOP voters support a generic candidate from their party, while 82% of Democrats back the president. Voters not affiliated with either political party favor the Republican 46% to 38%.
Male voters support the GOP candidate by 11 points, while females are evenly divided. Voters under the age of 40 favor the president, while their elders back the Republican. Ninety-three percent (93%) of black voters and 53% of voters of other races back Obama, while 55% of whites prefer the Republican.
Conservatives (79%) overwhelmingly support the Republican, while 82% of liberals – and a majority (54%) of moderates – like the president.