The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) desperately wants you to believe it has the interests of small business owners at heart, as do the eleven GOP Senate candidates the group has endorsed in this fall’s midterm elections. In reality, the group’s biggest patrons are the oil baron Koch brothers and it is firmly in favor of tax cuts that would benefit the wealthy substantially while benefiting the vast majority of small business owners not at all.

NFIB has been issuing endorsements throughout the midterm cycle on behalf of extreme Conservative candidates like Joni Ernst and Terri Lynn Land. The most recent Senate candidate to receive the NFIB’s endorsement is none other than Koch bro Scott Brown, who in 2011 gushed to David Koch that  “your support during the election, it meant a ton. It made a difference and I can certainly use it again.” Not ones to leave a carpet bagging bro out in the New Hampshire cold, the Kochs’ political arm, Americans for Prosperity, has been pouring money into running false advertisements against Brown’s opponent. It’s hardly a surprise then that another Koch-backed entity, NFIB, has stepped in with radio and web ads of its own as of Monday.

Last week, the NFIB also endorsed North Carolina’s Speaker Thom Tillis, who helped make law tax breaks for the state’s wealthiest, cuts which are estimated to have reduced the Tarheel’s state revenue by $500 million, roughly the same amount that Tillis cut from the state’s education budget. The Kochs’ AFP was so moved by Speaker Tillis’ leadership in balancing tax breaks on the backs of North Carolina’s teachers that they literally held rallies in his honor. Given that tax breaks for the wealthy are “near the top of [NFIB’s] political agenda,” according to Mother Jones, they were all too happy to join the chorus of Koch-backed groups singing Tillis’ praises.

In addition to its recent endorsements for Scott Brown and Thom Tillis, the NFIB has already endorsed Koch favorites Joni Ernst, Mitch McConnell, Tom Cotton and Cory Gardner, all of whom were in attendance at the Kochs’ secretive summer donor “seminar.” Top Koch operatives at the summit also praised Monica Wehby and Bill Cassidy, who were not in attendance, but have still benefited from Koch backing and NFIB endorsements. Pat Roberts, Shelley Moore Capito and Terri Lynn Land round out the list of 2014 GOP Senate candidates with NFIB support.

While these extreme candidates attempt to pass the NFIB’s endorsement off as pro-small business bona fides, the reality is that it’s just another piece of evidence that the GOP’s Senate candidates are prioritizing the Kochs’ self-serving agenda at the expense of working class families.

NFIB Senate Endorsements  

Roberts

Roberts Was Endorsed For A Fourth Term By The National Federation Of Independent Business. According to NFIB, “The National Federation of Independent Business, Kansas’ and the nation’s leading small-business association, today endorsed Pat Roberts for a fourth term in the U.S. Senate. NFIB announced its support at a Roberts campaign event at Jayhawk Plastic, an NFIB member business in Olathe. ‘Our members support the candidates who support small business, and there’s absolutely no doubt that Senator Roberts supports small business,’ said Lisa Goeas, NFIB vice president for Political and Grassroots. ‘Beginning in the House and continuing in the Senate, Pat Roberts has voted with small business on key issues 94 percent of the time,’ Goeas said. ‘He clearly understands the challenges facing small-business owners, their employees and their families, and we’re confident he will continue to work for them in the years ahead to create an environment where small businesses can thrive and create jobs.’” [NFIB.com, 3/18/14]

Tillis

Tillis Received Endorsement Of National Federation Of Independent Businesses While Campaigning With Gov. Jeb Bush At A Small Lighting Warehouse In Greensboro. According to the Charlotte Observer, “Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush came to North Carolina on Wednesday to stump for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Thom Tillis, urging the state’s voters to help get America back on track by restoring Republicans to power in the Senate. Bush appeared with Tillis at an event at a small lighting warehouse outside Greensboro, where he also picked up the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/24/14]

Cotton

Cotton Was Endorsed By National Federation Of Independent Businesses, Part Of A Coalition Of Groups Backed By The Koch Brothers. According to the Stephens, “The National Federation of Independent Businesses has endorsed Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Dardanelle, for U.S. Senate in Arkansas. ‘Our members support the members of Congress who support small business, and Congressman Cotton’s record speaks for itself,’ said NFIB Vice President Lisa Goeas. An NFIB Congressional Scorecard issued for 2013 found that Cotton supported the group on all seven House votes that it rated. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., voted with the group on two of four Senate votes that it rated in 2013. The group claims 7,000 Arkansas members. The Arkansas Democratic Party issued a statement dismissive of the endorsement, noting that the Washington Post had identified the NFIB as being part of a coalition of nonprofit groups backed by billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch.” [Stephens, 7/1/14]

Gardner

Gardner Was Endorsed By The National Federation Of Independent Business (NFIB). According to Cory Gardner’s Press Release, “The nation’s preeminent organization of small businesses endorsed Cory Gardner for Colorado’s United States Senate seat today. Citing Gardner’s work in the House of Representatives for pro-small business policies, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) gave their full support to his campaign. ‘I’m honored to have earned the endorsement of the small business community,’ Gardner said. ‘As a boy working at the family farm implement dealership in Yuma, I learned the value of hard work and the importance of small businesses in the community. Businesses like these are the foundation upon which a strong and durable economy is built. I’m proud to be a champion for small business and I pledge to continue the fight for pro-growth, pro-job policies in the U.S. Senate.’” [Cory Gardner’s Press Release, Viewed 9/30/14]

McConnell

McConnell Was Endorsed By The National Federation Of Independent Business. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, “The National Federation of Independent Business, Kentucky’s and the nation’s leading small-business association, today endorsed Mitch McConnell for a sixth term in the U.S. Senate. NFIB announced its support for at a McConnell campaign event at CSS Distribution Group, an NFIB member business. ‘Our members support the candidates who support small business, and Senator McConnell’s record speaks for itself,’ said Lisa Goeas, NFIB vice president for Political and Grassroots. ‘Over the past 30 years, Mitch McConnell has voted with small business on key issues 95 percent of the time.’ ‘He understands that burdening small businesses with unnecessary regulations and excessive taxes makes it even harder for them to grow and create jobs, and he’s committed to bringing the same commonsense approach to reform in Washington,’ Goeas said. Senator McConnell achieved a 100 percent NFIB voting record in the 112th Congress, co-sponsoring key bills to reform the nation’s regulatory processes so small businesses can be more competitive (S. Amdt. 390); control government spending through a balanced budget amendment (S.J. Res. 10); overturn the National Labor Relations Board’s so-called ‘streamlined elections’ rule which would impact business owners’ rights to seek review of pre-election rulings (S.J. Res. 36); and provide tax relief to small-business owners (S. Amdt. 2573).” [National Federation of Independent Business, 2/14/14]

Wehby

Wehby Was “Thrilled” To Receive The National Federation Of Independent Business’ (NFIB) Endorsement. According to Monica Wehby’s Press Release, “‘I am thrilled to have earned the support of a group that is a voice for the near 350,000 small businesses here in the state of Oregon,’ said Dr. Monica Wehby. ‘I know that the job killing regulations, high taxes, and red tape coming out of Washington are not a recipe for success in our small business community. I promise to fight the policies endorsed by Jeff Merkley, which have resulted in less opportunities and less growth for Oregon’s small businesses.’” [Monica Wehby’s Press Release, Viewed 7/17/14]

Land

Land Was Endorsed By National Federation Of Independent Businesses. According to a Terri Lynn Land Press Release, “Today Michigan members of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) endorsed Terri Lynn Land for U.S. Senate at an event at Teachout Security in Flint. This is the latest of many endorsements by Michigan job creators. In recent weeks, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Farm Bureau, and others announced their support for Land. “I am honored to have the support of the Michigan small businesses who make up the National Federation of Independent Business,” said Terri Lynn Land. “As a small business owner myself, and having grown up in a small family business, I know firsthand how burdensome and costly federal regulations are to doing business and providing for the family. As U.S. Senator, I will fight for Michigan’s small businesses by opposing job-killing regulations from the EPA and by working to reform the tax code by making it fairer and simpler with lower rates. And most importantly, I will work to repeal and replace ObamaCare with free market solutions that don’t crush job creators, cause people to pay more, or lose their doctor.” [Terri Lynn Land for Senate, Press Release, 7/1/14]

Capito

The National Federation Of Independent Business (NFIB) Endorsed Capito For U.S. Senate. According to a press release from the National Federation of Independent Business, “The National Federation of Independent Business, West Virginia’s and the nation’s leading small-business association, today endorsed U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito for the U.S. Senate. The endorsement was announced at an NFIB event at Quality Machine Co. Inc., an NFIB member business in Bridgeport.” [National Federation of Independent Business, 5/7/14]

Lisa Goeas, NFIB Vice President For Political And Grassroots: “She’s Stood With Our Members On Issues Ranging From The Repeal Of Obamacare’s Employer Mandate To Promoting New Energy Solutions, Which Will Reduce Overhead Costs For Our Members.” According to a press release from the National Federation of Independent Business, “‘Our members support the candidates who support small business, and Representative Capito’s record speaks for itself,’ said Lisa Goeas, NFIB vice president for Political and Grassroots. ‘She’s stood with our members on issues ranging from the repeal of Obamacare’s employer mandate to promoting new energy solutions, which will reduce overhead costs for our members.” [National Federation of Independent Business, 5/7/14]

Cassidy

The National Federation Of Independent Business Endorsed Cassidy For Senate. According to the National Federation of Independent Business website, “The National Federation of Independent Business, Louisiana’s and America’s leading small-business association, today endorsed Bill Cassidy for U.S. Senate. “Our members support the candidates who support small business, and Congressman Cassidy’s record speaks for itself,” said Lisa Goeas, NFIB vice president for Political and Grassroots. Cassidy has earned a 97-percent lifetime NFIB voting record in the U.S. House of Representatives.’” [National Federation of Independent Business, 9/24/14]

• The National Federation Of Independent Launched Radio And Online Ads Asking For Voters To Support Cassidy. According to the National Federation of Independent Business website, “In addition to today’s endorsement, NFIBlaunched a flight of radio and online ads asking voters to support Cassidy in one of the most closely-watched races in the country as control of the Senate hangs in the balance.  The effort is part of the NFIB’s Vote for Main Street campaign.  Click here to listen to the radio ad.’” [National Federation of Independent Business, 9/24/14]

Brown

NFIB Endorsed Brown For Senate. According to a James Pindell’s Twitter account, “.@nfib_nh to endorse @SenScottBrown Monday for #nhsen. With that are radio ads and this web ad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmqUiN3M6KU … #nhpolitics.” [James Pindell Twitter, 9/28/14] 

• Brown Kicked Off A “Better Jobs For All” Tour After He Was Endorsed By The NFIB. According to a press release by the Scott Brown Campaign, “today, Scott Brown will kick off his ‘Better Jobs For All’ tour with an endorsement from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) at North Country Tractor in Pembroke. The NFIB, which is one of the nation’s leading voices for small business, has given Brown a lifetime 94% rating for his pro-growth policies and positions. Meanwhile, Senator Jeanne Shaheen has a lifetime 30% rating, including a 0% score during this Congress. In their endorsement of Brown, both the NFIBand North Country Tractor will cite Brown’s opposition to Obamacare, and specifically the looming business mandate that will go into effect after the election. North Country Tractor currently employs 47 people, but needs more employees to effectively grow their business. Under Obamacare, businesses with 100 or more full-time employees must offer health insurance or pay a $2,000 per employee penalty starting January 1, 2015. This mandate will be extended to businesses with 50-99 employees in 2016. ​ On his ‘Better Jobs For All’ tour, Brown will travel the state to tour businesses and join roundtable discussions about the current challenges impacting New Hampshire’s economy, ranging from burdensome regulations to higher energy costs.” [Scott Brown Campaign, 9/28/14]

Ernst

Ernst Was Endorsed By The National Federation Of Independent Business. According to Joni for Iowa – Press Release, “The momentum continues to build for Joni Ernst, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Iowa. Showing strong support in the small business community that creates thousands of jobs across the state, Joni is proud to receive the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Noting Joni’s proven record on issues important to Iowa business owners, NFIB Iowa State Director, Kristin Failor, said, ‘Joni has lived a life of service and in the Legislature she’s been one of the most dependable supporters of small business.’ She continued, ‘Iowa small businesses badly need an advocate in Washington and our members are very excited by her candidacy.’ In response to the NFIBendorsement, Ernst stated, ‘I know that small businesses play a big role in many towns all across Iowa. Small business owners are community leaders. They create jobs and grow our economy. I’ve worked hard in the Iowa Senate to make sure businesses in our state are able to grow and thrive. In the U.S. Senate I’ll fight to make sure we put in place pro-growth policies and remove burdensome regulations so that Iowa’s small businesses continue to flourish and succeed.’” [Joni for Iowa – Press Release, 8/19/14]

CNN Headline: “Koch Bros.-Backed Group Gave Millions To Small Business Lobby”  [CNN, 11/21/13]

CNN: “The Champions Of Main Street America Got More Money Last Year From A Group Backed By Billionaire Industrialists Charles And David Koch Than Any Other Single Source.”  According to CNN:  The National Federation of Independent Business is one of the most influential small-business advocacy groups in the country. They battle against government regulation, higher taxes and, perhaps most famously, Obamacare. And they do it all as the self-described ‘voice of small business.’  But it turns out that the champions of Main Street America got more money last year from a group backed by billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch than any other single source.”  [CNN, 11/21/13]

CNN: NFIB and Affiliated Groups Received $2.5 Million from Freedom Partners.  According to CNN: “NFIB and its affiliated groups received $2.5 million from Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, a conservative advocacy group with deep ties to the Koch empire. Of the five men that sit on the group’s board, four are current or former employees of Koch companies and one is a friend of Charles Koch’s.  Freedom Partners gave the NFIB $1.5 million last year, the biggest single contribution the federation received, according to tax records. The Koch-backed group gave three other NFIB-affiliated group another $1 million, making Freedom Partners among the top two biggest contributors to those groups, records show.”  [CNN, 11/21/13]

NFIB Is Prominent Defender Of Tax Breaks For The Wealthy. According to Mother Jones, “[Romney’s] argument has the support of a powerful ally: the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), a ‘nonpartisan’ small-business advocacy group that has put defending the Bush tax cuts for the richest of the rich near the top of its political agenda. Often cited as the leading voice of small business, the NFIB was founded in 1943 by a former US Chamber of Commerce staffer who thought that business groups were neglecting the little guys. Today it claims 350,000 members, chapters in all 50 states, and a $95 million budget. In May, the Washington Post cited the NFIB to back up Romney’s attacks on Obama’s tax plan, reporting that the group had given an F to the portion of Obama’s budget that deals with taxing the wealthy. The NFIB’s defense of the rich offers handy political cover for the Learjet crowd, but few among the legions of small business owners that it represents will benefit from its lobbying. Only 3 percent of small businesses net more than $250,000 a year, the lowest income that would be affected by Obama’s tax plan.” [Mother Jones, 7/23/12]

Government Watchdog Public Citizen: “The Idea That Koch Brothers Money In Some Way Is Going To Help Small Businesses Is Laughable. What They’re Buying Is The Ability To Help Set The Agenda.”  According to CNN: The big-money donations are raising questions about whose agenda NFIB is serving, that of mom-and-pop businesses or the captains of big industry.  Lisa Gilbert of the government watchdog group Public Citizen said the NFIB is “taking the name of small business in vain.’ ‘The idea that Koch brothers money in some way is going to help small businesses is laughable,” Gilbert said. “What they’re buying is the ability to help set the agenda.’”  [CNN, 11/21/13]