Survey: Small Business Owners Leaning Toward Romney

A recent survey by a Manta, an online business directory, suggests that a majority of small business owners plan to support Mitt Romney in November's presidential election. 

The survey of nearly 2,000 small business owners across the country found that, by a margin of 61-26 percent, the business owners intend to vote for the Republican nominee over President Barack Obama. 

Michael DeLuise, the president of the Melville Chamber of Commerce, told Patch that "a good president should initiate and support federal programs designed to draw, enhance and retain business for the entire nation.

"I believe business owners are disillusioned and looking for a better answer," DeLuise added. "That doesn't necessarily mean they want Romney or Obama. Our system only allows us to decide between two candidates. When pushed, business owners will vote for the candidate they feel will help them the most. At this time in the election process that candidate appears to be Mitt Romney but a lot will happen over the coming weeks."

The Manta survey was conducted before the Republican and Democratic conventions and 40 percent of respondents said that what was said at the conventions with regard to addressing small business needs would influence their vote. 

DeLuise said that small business owners are looking for someone who is willing to create "a partnership between business and government in a quest for success," something DeLuise said is now lacking. 

"Business owners are smart people," he said. "They work hard for their success. Over the coming weeks they will be doing what all American voters will be doing - trying to listen beyond the rhetoric and name calling to answer the question of who will be the right choice for president in this November's election."

Are you a small business owner? What do you think of the survey results and who will you support for president?