The McCain campaign issued a list of endorsements from 50 Hispanic business leaders around the country, with a heavy emphasis on California and Texas. Among the names was one from New Jersey: Alfredo Gutierrez.

“Alfredo Gutierrez is an entrepreneur and owner of Xtra Supermarket in Newark,” said McCain spokesman Peter Feldman. “He sits on the board of United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is the first Dominican to ever hold a seat on the board.”

Feldman said after his arrival to the United States in 1966, Gutierrez worked as a stock boy in a New York grocery store. He later opened his own bodega, followed by five area grocery stores.

“Since those beginnings, Gutierrez has developed properties for other grocery stores and also co-founded the National Supermarket Association, where he served on the board of directors for many years.”

The campaign said Gutierrez and others on the list will work to communicate the McCain-Palin message.