NFIB Endorses U.S. Senator George Allen for Reelection

CONTACT: Michael J. Donohue or
Jordan Vendetti,(202) 554-9000

Small-business group praises Allen for his "unwavering support of Virginia's small businesses"

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 11, 2006 The National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small-business group, today endorsed U.S. Sen. George Allen for reelection in Virginia. Sen. Allen received the group's endorsement in Richmond from local small-business owners and NFIB's president. NFIB will encourage its members throughout Virginia to work on behalf of Sen. Allen and help turn out the vote on Election Day.

"Today, on behalf of the hard-working small-business men and women of NFIB, I am proud to announce our endorsement of Senator George Allen," said Todd Stottlemyer, President and CEO of NFIB. "Senator George Allen is the pro-small-business candidate for U.S. Senate. Senator Allen has a strong record of standing up for small business, voting for lasting tax relief, the creation of Small-Business Health Plans and the elimination of the death tax."

"This was an easy endorsement to make," continued Stottlemyer. "Senator Allen understands that small businesses are the driving force behind Virginia's economy. Our members believe it is crucial to elect a senator who understands the challenges facing Virginia's small-business owners, and they believe George Allen is the clear choice for the U.S. Senate."

"Senator Allen is the candidate who supports comprehensive repeal of the unfair death tax, making it easier for family farms and family-owned businesses to survive for future generations," said Stottlemyer. "This is a very important issue at the state and national level for NFIB members. NFIB members have long sought an end to this onerous tax, which family businesses either pay to the government or to lawyers, accountants and insurance companies."

Last month, Sen. Allen was named a Guardian of Small Business for his 100 percent voting record on small-business issues in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Allen cast key votes for tax relief, affordable health care, lawsuit reform and regulatory reform.

"NFIB knows that Senator Allen will continue to be a strong voice for small-business owners, their employees and their families in Washington, D.C.," said Stottlemyer. "Senator Allen's record shows unwavering support of Virginia's small businesses, and he is a tireless advocate for pro-small-business policies. We look forward to continue working with Senator Allen on small-business issues in the 110th Congress."

NFIB's political support is based on the candidates' positions and records on small-business issues. Allen's endorsement comes from NFIB SAFE (Save America's Free Enterprise) Trust, the organization's political action committee. The endorsement brings the considerable grassroots support of Virginia's small-business owners to the Allen campaign. NFIB was ranked the most influential business-lobbying organization in the country by Fortune magazine all four years the magazine conducted its survey.