10/25/2006
As the power in statehouses stands to shift, your vote matters more than ever
Though the national media focuses its attention on congressional races, the upcoming midterm election is also marked by many state races that will affect you. As you go to the polls in the next two weeks, it is more important than ever to stand up for those who have--and who will--stand up for small business. With more voters than ever poised to cast ballots on or before Nov. 7, NFIB presents a summary of some of the key state races that could affect your business.
Gubernatorial races
Thirty-six governors are up for election this November, and the balance is tight: Of the 36 governorships up for grabs, 22 currently are held by Republicans and 14 by Democrats, with nine out of the 10 open governorships held by Republicans. The races are expected to be close, and the states most-watched for a change are Arkansas, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio. NFIB has issued endorsements in all of these races except New York.
Learn more on your state page:
| NFIB.com/Arkansas | NFIB.com/Massachusetts |
| NFIB.com/Colorado | NFIB.com/New York |
| NFIB.com/Maryland | NFIB.com/Ohio |
In California, the race between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and challenger Phil Angelides, the current state treasurer, is heating up in the final weeks of the campaign. Though polls have shown Schwarzenegger leading his opponent, NFIB is still encouraging all NFIB/California members to show their support at the ballot box for the pro-small-business governor.
"Governor Schwarzenegger's stalwart support for small business stands in stark contrast to his gubernatorial opponent," said NFIB/California Assistant State Director Michael Shaw. "With Schwarzenegger's continued leadership, California will continue to benefit from a growing economy and small-business job creation."
Legislative races
Though the state legislatures are virtually split between the two parties, 84 percent of the seats nationwide are up for election, making a change in agenda very possible. Link to your state page for more information on battleground states, where the majorities are within three seats:
Tim Storey, a specialist in statehouse elections at the National Conference of State Legislatures, told Congressional Quarterly that "Seventeen state Senates could switch power with shifts in three or fewer seats, while control in 12 House chambers could change with a shift in five or fewer seats."
With so much riding on your vote, you cannot afford to stay home this election. NFIB offers a wealth of information to help you decide which candidates deserve your vote, as well as various ideas for getting others involved. For more information, visit NFIB.com/politics.
