Small business lobby to go to court on health law

Attorneys general and governors for 20 states won't be alone in their legal challenge to President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

The nation's most influential small business lobby is going to court with them.

The National Federation of Independent Business will join the argument that Americans cannot be required under the Constitution to obtain insurance coverage, the group's president, Dan Danner, said on Friday.

"This law is the first time the federal government has required individuals to purchase something simply because they are alive," said Danner.

Regardless of whether that argument sways federal judges hearing the case, NFIB'S involvement ensures the point will be heard extensively during the fall political campaigns. With 350,000 members, the group boasts a far-reaching network of local activists. The lawsuit has a political overlay, since all but one of the state officials who filed the Florida case are Republicans. Some are running for higher office.

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