04/ 02/ 2008
The U.S. Senate has been the place where pro-small business legislators have successfully thwarted the efforts of special interests to pass card check legislation and other anti-business initiatives. With its arcane rules and procedures, some of small business' best supporters have stood tall against organized labor and the trial bar. NFIB has focused much of its legislative efforts on the Senate, and the 2008 Senate elections are shaping up to be crucial for small business.
Pro-small business candidates in the Senate will be threatened by strong and well-funded opponents, and NFIB's political team plans to make a strong push in several key races. Because only one-third of the Senate runs for re-election during each two-year cycle, many pro-small business senators like Ben Nelson (Neb.), John Thune (S.D.), Richard Burr (N.C.) and Blanche Lincoln (Ark.) are not running in 2008. But some of NFIB's biggest supporters are up this cycle, and they face a very tough road.
Powerful special interest groups, most notably organized labor led by the AFL-CIO and Service Employees International Union, will be looking to elect enough labor supporters to the Senate to overcome the 60-vote filibuster hurdle that has prevented passage of significant anti-small business legislation. If these special interests get 60 votes in the Senate, our members will see a significant push to pass legislation allowing union card check elections, mandating paid sick leave, increasing individual income tax rates and expanding the ability of trial lawyers to harass and sue small business owners and much more.
These formidable interest groups are pouring a vast amount of money (hundreds of millions of dollars) and resources into these races, as this election is seen as the best opportunity in years for organized labor and the trial bar to elect their supporters.
The small business community is an effective and influential voting bloc, and it is extremely vital that you get out and vote to protect those candidates who are fighting for you.
And never underestimate the importance of educating others (colleagues, friends, family and, most importantly, employees) about the candidates and issues during this critical time for our nation.
NFIB's Political Department will largely concentrate its resources on helping three endangered Senate allies. The three key races to watch are:
Minnesota: Sen. Norm Coleman (R) faces a demanding challenge from either comedian and longtime liberal activist Al Franken (D), or wealthy trial lawyer Mike Ciresi (D); the Democratic nominee will be decided on the day of the primary, Sept. 9. Minnesota's politics have always been colorful, and it is often marked as a bellwether state. Sen. Coleman is a consistent friend of small businesses, and he had a voting record of 89 percent in the 109th Congress and currently has a 100 percent NFIB Key Vote voting record in the 110th Congress.
New Hampshire: Sen. John Sununu (R) will be fighting a tough battle against former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D). He narrowly defeated her in 2002 with only 51 percent of the vote, and he has seen his popularity in the Granite State decline in recent months. With a voting record of 100 percent in both the 109th Congress and the current Congress, he is a crucial ally of NFIB.
Maine: Sen. Susan Collins (R) will campaign against U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D), who is currently representing Maine's 1st Congressional district. Sen. Collins has been a longtime advocate for NFIB with a 100 percent lifetime NFIB voting record, and she recently spoke at the 2007 Leadership Trust Annual Meeting. She understands and is passionate about small business issues, while Rep. Allen has a mere 11 percent average NFIB voting record.
There are also a large number of open seats in the Senate this election cycle, as many senators have decided to retire. These open seats provide a chance for NFIB members to help elect pro-small business senators:
Colorado: Rep. Mark Udall (D) is running against former Rep. Bob Schaffer (R).
Nebraska: Former Gov. and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns is running for the Republican nomination, and Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey is competing on the Democratic side.
Virginia: Former Gov. Mark Warner (D) is running against former Gov. Jim Gilmore (R).
Idaho: Current Lt. Gov. Jim Risch hopes to secure the Republican nomination and compete in the general election against former Rep. Larry LaRocco (D).
New Mexico: This will be a contentious battle, as current Reps. Heather Wilson (Dist. 1) and Steve Pearce (Dist. 2) are both competing in the Republican primary being held on June 3, and will likely face Rep. Tom Udall (D) in the general election.
Mississippi: Rep. Roger Wicker (R) has been tapped to replace longtime Sen. Trent Lott, who resigned in December 2007. A special election will be held on the same day as the general election on Nov. 4.
