Ashley Swearengin wants to become the business candidate in the race for Fresno mayor. The head of the Regional Jobs Initiative held a news conference Tuesday to announce that more than 65 business leaders have endorsed her.

According to her campaign, business leaders endorsing her include: Carol Chandler of Chandler Farms; Dan Doyle, Chief Executive Officer, Central Valley Community Bank; Bill Smittcamp, Chief Executive Officer, Wawona Foods; Fred Ruiz, Chairman, Ruiz Foods; Jerry Cook, businessman and commercial property developer.

Swearengin has been touting her business credentials, including her work for the jobs program at California State University, Fresno, and her appointment by Gov. Schwarzenegger to the California Commission for Economic Development.

One of the most recognized voices in the business community, the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, expects to pick a candidate to endorse for Fresno mayor on Tuesday. It's not clear when the chamber will announce its decision.

--Brad Branan