03/24/2008
The 2008 election season is in full swing, and NFIB and its members are not missing a beat. While the presidential elections are dominating media and online press coverage, several states have already held congressional primaries, and those fields are beginning to take shape. Numerous races in the House of Representatives and the Senate will be particularly competitive, and will have a profound impact on the nature of next year's agenda in Congress.
The NFIB political team is keeping a close watch on those incumbents and candidates who will be small business allies in Washington, D.C., but it is the involvement of our members that truly makes a difference in elections. The voice of the small business voting bloc, including owners and their employees, is powerful and can make a substantial impact on the outcome in November. The importance of being politically active has never been more vital to protecting free enterprise--but it also has never been easier. NFIB offers a variety of resources online to help you keep track of key developments this year, including:
1. The NFIB SAFE (Save America's Free Enterprise) Trust has already endorsed several incumbent members of Congress running for reelection in the fall. An endorsement by NFIB is valuable to these candidates, as it carries the considerable weight of the small business voting bloc to those campaigns. The process by which the NFIB PAC board makes an endorsement is extensive and involved, and is based primarily on the voting records of members on key legislative votes and issues. The early list of endorsed candidates (28 KB, PDF, members only) focuses on states that have already held Congressional primaries, including Texas, Illinois and Ohio, and incumbents who have a voting record in the 110th Congress of 100 percent, ensuring they are key members to defend. View the list, which is available only to NFIB members, and see which candidates are fighting for small business and the values of free enterprise. This is an accessible and straightforward resource that clearly displays all of NFIB's endorsements in one place. Print the PDF and look for your congressman, and be sure to check back often as the list will be updated throughout the election cycle.
2. Another simple way to be politically involved is through education. By knowing about the candidates running, as well as important voter information for your state, you can become an educated and active participant in the political process. View NFIB's complete 2008 Election Guide for all of the information you need on the races happening around the country. This easy-to-read guide lists and profiles all of the candidates running in every single race this year, including state and local races. Simply enter your ZIP code or select your state to learn more. Additionally, find out about specific election and voter information in your area, including polling hours and links to register to vote. It is never too soon to get involved and learn about the races as they develop throughout the year.
3. Finally, consider donating to the NFIB's political action committee, the SAFE Trust, at NFIB.com/Contribute. A simple and quick way to be politically active, your contribution will go directly to helping elect pro-small business candidates. The SAFE Trust PAC uses your generous aid not only to contribute directly to important campaigns, but more notably to help send messages and communications in support of NFIB's endorsed candidates. Visit the newly created donation page at NFIB.com/Contribute for more information. It is easy to contribute directly online--all you need is your member number and a credit card. Be sure to share the page with your colleagues and fellow small business owners. Any contribution, small or large, goes a long way in protecting your business.
