Bob Ehrlich Endorsed By National Federation Of Independent Business

ODENTON -- Bob Ehrlich today accepted the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for Governor of Maryland surrounded by small business owners from across Maryland. The NFIB is a leading advocate for small businesses in Maryland and across the nation.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.  After four years of downturn and stagnation, we must create a business climate that allows entrepreneurs to create jobs for families and improve our overall quality of life.” Ehrlich said.  “As governor, I will treat small business owners as a source of new jobs – not a source of new tax revenue. I am honored to have the NFIB’s endorsement and look forward to working with their members as Governor.”

 “Bob Ehrlich has made small business growth the centerpiece of his economic plan,” said Tim Goodrich, NFIB’s Regional Policy Director.  “He understands that 98 percent of the employers in this state are small businesses, and that the only way to boost employment is to create a more hospitable tax and regulatory environment.”

Maryland’s unemployment rate has doubled since Governor Martin O’Malley took office.  More than 200,000 Marylanders are currently unable to find a job and 3,000 Maryland small businesses have closed. According to the Jacob France Institute, business confidence in Maryland has dropped 58% since Bob Ehrlich’s first term as Governor.  Ehrlich has pledged to lower regulatory burdens to economic growth and to repeal the 20% increase in Maryland's sales tax passed by the current administration.

BACKGROUND:  A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1943, NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of its members to own, operate and grow their businesses.