The National Federation of Independent Business said Wednesday it has "grave concerns" about the judicial record of President Barack Obama's nomination to fill the U.S. Supreme Court seat once held by Justice Antonin Scalia.

Obama has nominated Merrick Garland, chief judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals in D.C., for the seat. Garland is considered by many court observers to be judicial moderate, evidenced by the fact that Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) recommended him for the Supreme Court the last time a position was open in 2010.

However, Senate Republicans have vowed not confirm or even hold a hearing on any Obama nominee for the high court. They argue that decision should be left to the next president.

In a statement, NFIB CEO Juanita Duggan, who assumed her post earlier this month, raised several objections to Garland. She said an examination of his record "points to a judge who nearly always sides with regulators, labor unions and trial lawyers at the expense of small businesses."

"That's very discouraging," she said. "Small business has been under heavy pressure from the EPA, the DOL, the NLRB and the rest of the alphabet soup of regulators that have expanded their power over the private sector.

"Judge Garland has an extensive record and, based on our initial examination, we have grave concerns," she concluded.

NFIB has never taken a position on a Supreme Court nominee in its 73-year history. Spokesman Jack Mozloom said the reason it decided to now was the Supreme Court is playing an increasing role in making major decisions that affect businesses. While NFIB would prefer that not be the case, that just the way it is, he said.

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Fossil fuel associations decry proposed freeze on Atlantic oil drilling
• Limousine association uses deadly shooting spree to blast Uber, Lyft
• Gaming association: March Madness more popular than any presidential candidate
• Judge rules that association violated state campaign finance law
• Travel industry, airports among groups holding fly-ins this week