NFIB

Meet Your New Congress
11/07/2008

Fun facts about your new lawmakers 13 list their occupation as businessman/woman, small business owner or entrepreneur 1 is a rancher (Jim Risch, Idaho Senator-elect) 14 have no prior political experience

After a record turnout in Tuesday's election, voters chose a new president and Congress, and NFIB congratulates all of the successful candidates around the country. The 111th Congress has its work cut out for it, and NFIB looks forward to working with the members—both new and incumbent—in finding solutions to the top small business problems.

In the Senate, Democrats have gained six seats (three remain undecided), bringing their total to 57—three shy of a 60-seat, filibuster-proof majority. House Democrats have picked up several more seats as well, though numerous races are still being calculated and official results are still unknown.

As the nation waits to find out the final makeup of its next Congress, NFIB is gearing up to collaborate with a fresh group on critical small business issues left unresolved by the 110th Congress. Healthcare, taxes and labor issues are all expected to be tackled in the coming term, and NFIB is prepared to make sure the voice of small business is heard loud and clear.

Breakdown of the 111th Congress (as of Nov. 7, 2008)
Senate
Eight new senators so far; two Republicans, six Democrats	Newly elected senators: Mark Udall (D-Colorado), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Johanns (R-Nebraska), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Tom Udall (D-New Mexico), Kay Hagan (D-North Carolina), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and Mark Warner (D-Virginia)	States still processing results: Alaska, Georgia, Minnesota
House
57 new members so far; 35 Democrats, 22 Republicans	States with new representatives: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Mew Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wyoming	Several states still processing results