10/12/2007
McCain, Giuliani, Romney, Thompson confirmed to address members of NFIB, NRA, ABC
CONTACT:
Mike Donohue, NFIB, 202-314-2044
Sue Hensley, NRA, 202-331-5964
Gerry Fritz, ABC, 703-812-2000
Washington, D.C.--The National Federation of Independent Business, the National Restaurant Association and Associated Builders and Contractors are set to kick off their first-ever "Tuesday Town Halls" for the 2008 presidential election Tuesday, Oct. 16.
This exciting project is a new venture for NFIB, NRA and ABC, utilizing teleforums that provide an effective and efficient way for the organizations' members to hear from and interact with candidates and elected officials. The town halls function much like a radio call-in show, and members who join the call will have a chance to ask presidential candidates questions live on the air. The events are for members only.
The following candidates have confirmed their participation in a Tuesday Town Hall:
- U.S. Sen. John McCain on Oct. 16 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani on Oct. 30 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney on Nov. 6 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson on Nov. 13 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
In addition to the four confirmed candidates, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson were also invited to speak in the series. The host organizations continue to work to secure these candidates' participation.
"We are thrilled that small-business owners will have the opportunity to hear from the major presidential candidates and ask them questions about the issues that affect their businesses and employees," said NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer. "Small businesses drive our nation's economy and anchor our communities, and too often candidates do not focus on the very real challenges facing entrepreneurs. These town halls provide a forum for the candidates to explain their agenda for small business and job growth, and to listen as well."
"The nation's restaurants and food service outlets employ millions nationwide and are a major part of our economy," said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. "Healthcare, taxes and regulation are vital issues for this industry, and it is essential not only that the presidential candidates address our members on these issues, but that these topics inform the national debate. The town halls are an essential part of that process."
"Builders and contractors are essential to the health and growth of the economy, and the policies the presidential candidates espouse can have an immediate and direct impact on our industry," said ABC Chairman and CEO Kirk Pickerel. "These town halls are a unique joint effort that will enable the candidates to lay out their agenda and respond to real-world concerns about economic growth. The members of our organizations, who create jobs and build our communities, deserve the answers and attention this series will provide."
NOTE TO REPORTERS: If you would like to dial in to any of the town halls on a listen-only basis, please contact Mike Donohue at 202-314-2044 or Michael.Donohue@NFIB.org.
The National Federation of Independent Business
NFIB is the nation's leading small-business advocacy association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB's powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America's free enterprise system. NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.
The National Restaurant Association
The National Restaurant Association, founded in 1919, is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which is comprised of 935,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a work force of 12.8 million employees - making it the cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities and community involvement. Along with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing industry. For more information, visit the Web site at www.restaurant.org.
Associated Builders and Contractors
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national association representing more than 24,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in 78 chapters across the United States. For more news and information, visit ABC's Web site, www.abc.org.
