Small Business Backs Lingle in Hawaii Senate Race

NFIB says Lingle did big things for small business as Governor and she’ll bring a badly needed pro-business approach to the Senate 

News Release from NFIB

Honolulu (October 24, 2012) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) today announced its support for former Governor Linda Lingle in her race for the United States Senate.  

“Linda Lingle was an outstanding governor who improved the business climate in Hawaii and that’s exactly the kind of leadership that Hawaii small businesses need in the Senate,” said Lisa Goeas, NFIB Vice President of Political and Grassroots. “She knows that expanding the private sector is the only way to improve the US economy.  And she knows that the only way to accomplish that is to get the federal government out of the way.” 

Lingle faces Rep. Mazie Hirono to replace retiring Senator Daniel Akaka. According to Goeas, Hirono has been on the wrong side of every small business issues during this session. 

“Congresswoman Hirono has voted against the interest of Hawaii small businesses on virtually every key issue,” Goeas continued. “Small businesses have a choice between a proven reformer who is committed to job creators and a member of Congress who has voted against them on every important piece of legislation. There’s really no choice in this election. Small businesses in Hawaii need Linda Lingle in the Senate.” 

At the start of every congressional session, NFIB surveys its members on key issues to identify their positions.  Then the organization tracks the votes of every member of Congress and the Senate and applies a score from zero to 100 percent (the best), which becomes part of its Voting Record. In the current sessionRep. Hirono turned in a score of zero.  In other words, she voted against NFIB members on all of the 13 issues that they identified as key votes. 

“Clearly, Hawaii small-business owners deserve better than that,” said Goeas.  “They need a voice in Washington, and we have no doubt that Linda Lingle will be a forceful advocate for their interests.” 

Lingle’s endorsement comes from NFIB’s Save America’s Free Enterprise Trust (SAFE), the association’s political action committee, and is based on positions regarding key small-business issues including health care, taxes, and labor and regulatory issues. 

Small-business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members and acquaintances to go to the polls. NFIB will encourage its members in Hawaii to help turn out the small-business vote for Linda Lingle this coming Election Day. 

For more information about NFIB, please visit www.nfib.com. 

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NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 states. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.