SmallBusinessNewz

Following the rejection of the proposed $700 billion bailout bill, some supporters promised that they'd have another version ready as soon as possible.  And for whatever it's worth, the National Federation of Independent Business and National Retail Federation hope that something gets passed soon.

"No one, least of all small business owners, is happy that this bailout is necessary," noted the NFIB's president and CEO, Todd Stottlemyer, in a statement.  "They did not create this financial mess and they are extremely frustrated and angry that they are being asked to clean it up.  But they understand that their ability to access credit to grow their business, send their kids to college, and save for their retirement depends upon stability in the financial markets."

Indeed, it'll be harder for any bill's opponents to stand their ground following the Dow's record-breaking fall.  The market has headed back up a couple hundred points so far today, though, so any injury done to the average person's stock portfolio or 401(k) has been lessened.

Steve Pfister, the NRF's senior vice president for government affairs, argued in a separate statement, "This crisis is not about Wall Street versus Main Street.  Our nation's financial system is a two-way street that directly affects every American and every facet of our economy.  If Wall Street is not stabilized, the ability of American consumers and businesses to obtain the credit needed to keep our economic engine running and to continue our nation on the path to economic recovery will be imperiled."

We'll see where everything goes, then.  These are certainly interesting times.