11/06/2008
NFIB/Missouri members made a big difference at the polls on Election Day.
In Missouri, where 80 percent of all companies have 10 or fewer employees, the small business voting bloc helped elect or re-elect 77 of the 80 legislative candidates endorsed by NFIB.
In Jefferson City, the Republicans will retain an 87-76 majority in the House. In the Senate, the party's majority increased by one, to 22-12.
So, while the partisan mix remains essentially unchanged, and the Legislature is likely to continue its pro-small business agenda, no legislative session is without its challenges, and, as always, NFIB will be there to meet those challenges.
On the federal level, each of the NFIB-endorsed members of Congress was reelected.
"We can look forward to the continued support for small business from U.S. House members Todd Akin, Sam Graves, Roy Blunt and Jo Ann Emerson, and we're excited to see NFIB's good friend Blaine Luetkemeyer will be heading to Washington to represent Missouri's 9th District," said Brad Jones, state director of NFIB/Missouri.
"NFIB's federal staff in Washington has an aggressive agenda full of opportunities and will need the support of the Missouri congressional delegation," Jones said.
Hulshof loses governor's race
Luetkemeyer takes the seat previously held by Rep. Kenny Hulshof, who lost the gubernatorial race to Attorney General Jay Nixon. NFIB/Missouri endorsed Rep. Hulshof's in the governor's race.
"Kenny Hulshof has been a strong advocate for Missouri's small business community throughout his career," Jones said. "His voice on our behalf will be missed."
Mike Gibbons, winner of NFIB's Guardian of Small Business award, lost the race for attorney general to Chris Koster; and Brad Lager, who earned a 100 percent NFIB voting record during his time in the Legislature, lost to Clint Zweifel in the state treasurer's race.
"Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder was re-elected, however, and will be someone NFIB can count on," Jones said.
"NFIB looks forward to working with the Missouri Legislature in 2009," he said. "We are confident it will remain pro-small business and continue to listen to the small businesses that drive the economy of our state," Jones said.
