Key Races
November 2009 Elections: Big Wins for Small Business
Before the clock struck midnight on Election Night 2009, pundits on both sides of the aisle began the spin-game. What did the sweeping wins in Virginia mean? Is New Jersey now a so-called purple state? Regardless of what political followers and leaders say, there is one obvious trend that emerged from this year’s elections – the importance of jobs and the economy. Moving into the 2010 Congressional midterm elections, expect these issues to be at the forefront of voters and candidates’ minds.
In New Jersey, which has been plagued by the highest unemployment in almost 30 years, NFIB New Jersey launched an issues campaign, Save New Jersey Jobs, to highlight the economic issues affecting the state and educate members and the public about where candidates and legislators stood on the issues. The governor’s race in New Jersey pitted a struggling governor, Jon Corzine, against former U.S. attorney and statewide political newcomer, Chris Christie. The election field was further complicated by the emergence of a strong independent candidate, Chris Daggett. In September, NFIB New Jersey SAFE Trust formally endorsed Chris Christie and held a roundtable discussion with our members.
In the closing weeks of the election, polls suggested it was a statistical dead heat between Corzine and Christie; which was not surprising in the unpredictable world of New Jersey politics. However, on Election night the results were clear –Chris Christie defeated Jon Corzine 49 to 45%. Chris Daggett took an additional 6% of the vote. Voters mobilized to express their displeasure over years of tax-and-spend policies that have forced businesses from the state and their desire to seek a new direction for the state. In addition, 90% of NFIB New Jersey SAFE Trust-endorsed state Assembly candidates won.
Similarly, NFIB Virginia focused on drawing attention to economic troubles facing the state. In Virginia’s open-seat governor’s race, state Senator Creigh Deeds faced former Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell. As a result of his long history of working to create a better business climate and his dedication to protecting jobs in Virginia; Bob McDonnell received the endorsement of the NFIB Virginia SAFE Trust.
McDonnell maintained a comfortable lead throughout the end of the election cycle, no doubt as a result of his constant emphasis of strengthening and supporting free enterprise throughout the commonwealth. While travelling across Virginia, he made several site visits and walk-throughs with NFIB member-owned businesses. In the end, he defeated Creigh Deeds in a landslide, 59 to 41%t. During his victory speech, McDonnell made special mention of NFIB members, Rhoda Elliot and Thomas Johnson, who he met with during the campaign. Additionally, 90% of NFIB Virginia SAFE Trust-endorsed House of Delegates candidates won.
NFIB looks forward to working with Governors-elect Christie and McDonnell in the coming months to continue to promote and support pro-small business policies.
Governor-elect Bob McDonnell of Virginia.
Governor-elect Chris Christie of New Jersey
Small business owners and their employees comprise 43% of registered voters in the United States. In terms of sheer numbers, the small business voting bloc has the potential to shape the outcomes of elections nationwide. However, we understand that the day-to-day demands of running a business can impede a business owner's ability to follow political races as closely as they would like.
Our staff monitors races year-round to follow their likely impact on the small business community and to determine where the best opportunities are to make a difference. The scope of our research ranges from individual candidates to the larger national political environment. This comprehensive effort serves as the foundation of our voter education program, ensuring that our members have access to the information they need to make an educated vote and protect free enterprise at the ballot box.
Due to limited resources, we're not able to be involved in every race; instead we focus our efforts in select states and districts. Key races, as determined by staff, are the political campaigns whose outcomes hold the largest stake for small business.
NFIB Political Involvement
Over the years, we have grown and developed our political and grassroots programs to be among the most effective and recognized in the business community. Our history of success has made our support highly sought after by candidates at all levels of government because they recognize that our grassroots network is the key to a successful campaign. In 2008 alone, we sent more than half a million mail pieces nationwide communicating about important issues and candidates in the November elections, which resulted in 83% of all endorsed candidates being elected to office.
Thanks to the generous donations of members to our political action committee, the SAFE Trust, and our voter education program, NFIB is able to communicate to members and the larger small business community about the issues and candidates that impact their day-to-day operations.
Key elements in NFIB’s involvement in races include:
- Voter education
- Voter registration and early voting
- Grassroots mobilization
- Media campaigns
- Candidate support
Voter Education
Educating small business owners and their employees is one of our top priorities. It’s especially important in heavily contested races, to cut through the clutter and educate and activate the small business voting bloc, by providing timely, nonpartisan and accurate voter information. Throughout the election cycle, we provide a comprehensive series of direct voter communications to our members that include where candidates stand on the issues that affect their bottom line, suggestions on how to speak to your employees about elections, and issue briefs.
Voter Registration and Early Voting
We understand that running a business is demanding and can prevent members from becoming as involved in politics as they would like. That is why we place a major emphasis on helping business owners register to vote, as well as, making sure their registration information is up-to-date. Furthermore, early voting is an incredibly helpful way for busy small business owners to make their voice heard without being constrained to vote on one single day. We place a special emphasis on informing members about early and absentee voting deadlines.
Grassroots Mobilization
Since our founding in 1943, we have been a grassroots driven organization. We continue to believe that it is the power of individual members, who come together as a whole, that has the largest impact on the elections and policies that affect small business. We emphasize grassroots mobilization in key races through get-out-the-vote member communications, coordinating volunteer opportunities with endorsed candidates, and deploying our staff to work directly with members, in key states and districts, in the lead up to Election Day.
Media Campaigns
We recognize that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and in some highly competitive races, we extend our advocacy to a much larger audience through mass media campaigns. We have extensive experience with reaching like minded voters through broadcast, cable, radio, and newsprint. In the 2008 election cycle, we ran major media campaigns in eight states, supporting the pro-small business agenda on issues ranging from card check to taxes.
Candidate Support
In addition to our grassroots and other political advocacy efforts, we provide direct assistance to endorsed candidates. Through the SAFE Trust, we lend financial support and create opportunities for candidates to interact with our members. Additionally, we act as an educational resource for candidates who wish to further their understanding of small business issues.