05/ 30/ 2007
As the already-extensive coverage of the presidential campaigns has demonstrated, it's not too early to think about running for office in 2008.
Literally hundreds of NFIB members have been elected to state and federal offices over the past several election cycles, but you can never have too many elected officials who understand what small-business owners face each day.
If you're thinking about running for office, we offer a number of resources that can help you. A good way to start is by getting a copy of NFIB's The Business Candidate: The Basics on Business Owners Running for Office. This guide covers everything from candidacy requirements to developing and refining your campaign messages, and from fund raising and budgets to get-out-the-vote efforts.
In addition, SAFE Trust, our political action committee, endorses many pro-small-business candidates at the state and federal level (more than 2,200 in 2006). Incumbents who have more than a 70 percent NFIB voting record on key small-business issues are eligible for endorsement and PAC support. Candidates who are running against an incumbent or for an open seat undergo a thorough evaluation, which includes interviews with NFIB staff, completion of our candidate questionnaire, analysis of legislative records where applicable, assessment of campaign viability and input from members in the state or district.
Be Involved. If you're interested in running for office and would like more information, visit www.NFIB.com/politics and click on the "Running for Office?" button or contact Sharon Wolff Sussin, national political director, at (202) 554-9000.
