07/26/2007
As the 2008 election season approaches, many small-business owners are already thinking about which candidates they will support. In the coming months, NFIB will bring you information on what races to watch, how to get involved, and how to learn more about which candidates will help your business. The following is a preview of key races and upcoming debates.
Races to watch
Governors
Eleven states will hold gubernatorial elections. Of that group, two sitting governors are term-limited. Democrats are defending six state houses, including Washington state, which was one of the closest races in 2004. Republicans are seeking to hold on to five states, including Missouri and Indiana.
U.S. Senate
In January 2009, the terms of 34 senators will expire, many of whom are expected to seek reelection. Given the slight majority, look for many of these races to be competitive.
U.S. House of Representatives
All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for election in November 2008. Given the volatile nature of the recent 2006 election, there will likely be numerous competitive races. Of those in Congress, 71 representatives were elected with 55 percent or less, and they may face strong challenges in 2008.
Presidential debates
A great way to become a well-informed voter is to see the candidates debate their opponents. When watching the upcoming presidential debates, keep an eye on how candidates respond to questions on issues vital to small business such as health care, taxes and federal regulations.
Debates can also provide a unique opportunity to get involved, since many now take questions from audience members and e-mail and video submissions, not just from the moderator as in years past. Contact the candidate’s campaign office or the host of the debate for information on how to submit a question for consideration.
Numerous primary debates have already been scheduled, many of which are televised nationally or can be viewed online. Watch the following debates to see where the presidential candidates stand on issues important to small business:
| 2007 | ||
| Democrats | ||
| Date | Debate Host | Location |
| Aug. 19 | ABC | Des Moines, Iowa |
| Sept. 26 | NBC News/MSNBC | Hanover, N.H. |
| Oct. 21 | ABC News, WMUR-TV and the New Hampshire Union Leader | New Hampshire |
| Oct. 30 | NBC News/MSNBC | Philadelphia, Pa |
| Nov. 15 | CNN | Las Vegas, Nev. |
| Dec. 10 | CBS | Los Angeles, Calif. |
| Republicans | ||
| Date | Debate Host | Location |
| Sep. 17 | YouTube/Google and CNN | Florida |
| Sep. 27 | PBS | Baltimore, Md. |
| Oct. 14 | ABC News, WMUR-TV, and the New Hampshire Union Leader | New Hampshire |
| Oct. 21 | The Florida Republican Party and Fox News | Orlando, Fla. |
| Nov. 6 | MSNBC | Ames, Iowa |
| 2008 | ||
| Democrats | ||
| Date | Debate Host | Location |
| Jan. 6 | The Des Moines Register and Iowa Public Television | Johnston, Iowa |
| Jan. 15 | The Caucus of African American Nevadans and Impacto | Las Vegas, Nev. |
| Jan. 31 | CNN and the Los Angeles Times | California |
| Republicans | ||
| Date | Debate Host | Location |
| Jan. 5 | The Des Moines Register and Iowa Public Television | Johnston, Iowa |
| Jan. 30 | CNN and the Los Angeles Times | California |
Watch the following examples of presidential candidates using national debates to talk about issues that matter to small business:
Presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards discusses health care
Presidential candidate Gov. Mitt Romney discusses health care
