Interest Groups Interest Groups AP GovernmentAP Government

Unit 3 Chap 16 Unit 3 Chap 16

Interest groups have existed since Interest groups have existed since the country’s founding. the country’s founding. – The open nature of the American The open nature of the American

government invites organized political government invites organized political participation.participation.

James Madison in James Madison in Federalist #10 Federalist #10 argued that no one group should get argued that no one group should get control over other groups.control over other groups.

The Development of American The Development of American Interest Group?Interest Group?

What is an Interest Group?What is an Interest Group?

An association of people An association of people who hold common views who hold common views and who work together and who work together to influence what the to influence what the

government doesgovernment does

Try to influence public policy Try to influence public policy – Lobbyists try and persuade public

officials to believe a specific view – Every branch and every level of

government is affected by interest groups

– Promote interest in public affairs– Provide useful information– Serve as watchdogs– Represent the interest of Citizens

What do Interest Groups do?What do Interest Groups do?

Ignoring the Ignoring the wider interest wider interest of societyof societyProducing confusion and Producing confusion and deadlockdeadlock in in

CongressCongressGenerating Generating so much emotion so much emotion that they that they

make reasoned discussion difficultmake reasoned discussion difficultHaving Having too much influencetoo much influence

Interest Group have been Criticized Interest Group have been Criticized forfor

Lately, interest groups have become synonymous with

the “evil” special interest. What is “special interests”?

Over 20,000 associations hoping to promote, persuade or prevent something

Aliases:– Interest Groups– PACS– Lobbyists

In a typical day, a senator can meet with 15 lobbyists in their office, plus those that approach him/her in the halls of Congress.

Interest Groups: Interest Groups: Good, Bad, Good, Bad, or Ugly?or Ugly?

What do Interest Groups What do Interest Groups need?need?

Social capitalSocial capital– The large number of relationships The large number of relationships

that individuals enjoy that that individuals enjoy that facilitate the resolution of facilitate the resolution of community problems through community problems through collective actioncollective action

Civic virtueCivic virtue– The tendency to form small-scale The tendency to form small-scale

associations for the public goodassociations for the public good

Interest Groups in AmericaInterest Groups in America

America is considered pluralistic America is considered pluralistic – many different groups seeking to secure many different groups seeking to secure

its members interestsits members interests

Work outside of the political system, Work outside of the political system, (separate and independent from the (separate and independent from the actual government structure)actual government structure)

The Roots and The Roots and Development of American Development of American

Interest GroupsInterest Groups National Groups Emerge (1830-89)National Groups Emerge (1830-89)– The beginnings of lobbying and interest groupsThe beginnings of lobbying and interest groups

Anti-Slavery groupsAnti-Slavery groups Temperance GroupsTemperance Groups The GrangeThe Grange

The Progressive Era (1890-1920)The Progressive Era (1890-1920)– Important groups createdImportant groups created– Organized LaborOrganized Labor

The The American Federation of Labor (AFL) American Federation of Labor (AFL) (1886)(1886)

– Business and Trade AssociationsBusiness and Trade Associations The The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) (1895)(1895)

The Rise of the Interest Group State (1960-The Rise of the Interest Group State (1960-70)70)– A new sense of progressivismA new sense of progressivism

ACLU, Common Cause, NAACPACLU, Common Cause, NAACP

– Religious and Ideological GroupsReligious and Ideological Groups Christian Coalition, Moral MajorityChristian Coalition, Moral Majority

– Business Groups, Trade and Professional Business Groups, Trade and Professional AssociationsAssociations Chamber of Commerce, Business RoundtableChamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable

– Organized LaborOrganized Labor AFL-CIOAFL-CIO TeamstersTeamsters

The Roots and The Roots and Development of Development of

American Interest GroupsAmerican Interest Groups

Interest Groups in PoliticsInterest Groups in Politics

The closer the ties to political issues, The closer the ties to political issues, personalities and organizations, the personalities and organizations, the more effective the groupmore effective the group

Contributions of Interest GroupsContributions of Interest Groups– provide link to gov'tprovide link to gov't– provide info provide info – encourage participationencourage participation– stabilize other groupsstabilize other groups

Goal: Influence PoliticsGoal: Influence Politics Assist in election campaignsAssist in election campaigns Influence judicial appointmentsInfluence judicial appointments Form PACsForm PACs File amicus curiae briefs and lawsuitsFile amicus curiae briefs and lawsuits

Grassroots work (advertise opinion, letter Grassroots work (advertise opinion, letter writing, social protests) writing, social protests) – A form of pressure-group activity that attempts A form of pressure-group activity that attempts

to involve individuals who contact their to involve individuals who contact their representatives directly in an effort to influence representatives directly in an effort to influence policypolicy

– Persuading ordinary voters to act as the group’s Persuading ordinary voters to act as the group’s advocatesadvocates

A A LobbyistLobbyist is someone whose task it is is someone whose task it is to to influence legislation or policymakinginfluence legislation or policymaking– Generally works for an interest groupGenerally works for an interest group

Lobbyists are hired by: Lobbyists are hired by: – BusinessesBusinesses– Trade associationsTrade associations– Colleges or universitiesColleges or universities– Foreign countriesForeign countries– Anyone else wanting their voice heard on Anyone else wanting their voice heard on

policy matters policy matters (Health issues, parent issues…)(Health issues, parent issues…)

LobbyistsLobbyists

A lobbyist must be A lobbyist must be honest and truthful honest and truthful if he or she wants to remain effective.if he or she wants to remain effective.– Access to lawmakers is critical and if a Access to lawmakers is critical and if a

lobbyist gets a reputation of being lobbyist gets a reputation of being untruthful or disingenuous legislators untruthful or disingenuous legislators doors will close. doors will close.

Good lobbyists will also make Good lobbyists will also make lawmakers aware of the lawmakers aware of the downsides of downsides of a bill a bill and the arguments on the other and the arguments on the other side as well.side as well.

What Lobbyists Should DoWhat Lobbyists Should Do

Goal: LobbyingGoal: Lobbying An attempt to influence the shape of An attempt to influence the shape of

legislation coming out of Congress legislation coming out of Congress and other rule making bodies and other rule making bodies – The activities of a group or organization that The activities of a group or organization that

seeks to influence legislation and persuade seeks to influence legislation and persuade political leaders to support the group’s positionpolitical leaders to support the group’s position

Goal: LobbyingGoal: Lobbying

Employs more than 80,000 in Washington DC Employs more than 80,000 in Washington DC alonealone

Named from days when Congress didn't live in Named from days when Congress didn't live in Washington and stayed in boarding homes or Washington and stayed in boarding homes or hotels where lobbies were only place to catch and hotels where lobbies were only place to catch and attempt to sway to your sideattempt to sway to your side

23 ways for lobbyists and organizations to lobby 23 ways for lobbyists and organizations to lobby on the state and national levelon the state and national level

Most often they: testify at legislative Most often they: testify at legislative hearings, contact government officials hearings, contact government officials directly, help draft legislationdirectly, help draft legislation

Lobbying CongressLobbying Congress

Members of Congress are targets of Members of Congress are targets of lobbyistslobbyists

Many lobbyists are former membersMany lobbyists are former members Lobbyists work closely with those Lobbyists work closely with those

members who share their interestsmembers who share their interests The effectiveness of a lobbyist The effectiveness of a lobbyist

depends on their reputation for fair depends on their reputation for fair play and accurate informationplay and accurate information

Reform AttemptsReform Attempts

Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, 1946Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, 1946 Lobbying Disclosure Act, 1995Lobbying Disclosure Act, 1995

– Employs a strict definition of lobbyistEmploys a strict definition of lobbyist– Requires lobbyists to:Requires lobbyists to:

Register with the clerk of the House and the Register with the clerk of the House and the secretary of the Senatesecretary of the Senate

Report their clients and issues and the agency or Report their clients and issues and the agency or house they lobbiedhouse they lobbied

Estimate the amount they are paid by each Estimate the amount they are paid by each clientclient

– Makes it easier for watchdog groups to track Makes it easier for watchdog groups to track the lobbying activitythe lobbying activity

Lobbying the Executive Lobbying the Executive BranchBranch

Has expanded As the scope of federal Has expanded As the scope of federal government has expandedgovernment has expanded– Many potential access pointsMany potential access points– Lobbyists seek influence at policy Lobbyists seek influence at policy

formation and implementation stages.formation and implementation stages.– An especially strong link exists between An especially strong link exists between

interest groups and regulatory agenciesinterest groups and regulatory agencies– Groups often monitor the implementation Groups often monitor the implementation

of the laws or policies they advocated.of the laws or policies they advocated.

Types of Interest GroupsTypes of Interest Groups EconomicEconomic

– establish establish standards, standards, better working better working conditionsconditions Determined Determined

by the way by the way people earn people earn a livinga living

Business & Business & professionalprofessional, labor, , labor, agriculturalagricultural

NAM (National Association of NAM (National Association of Manufacturers)Manufacturers)

American Bankers AssociationAmerican Bankers Association

AFL-CIOAFL-CIO

General MotorsGeneral Motors

AMA (American Medical AMA (American Medical Association)Association)

ABA (American Bar Association)ABA (American Bar Association)

National GrangeNational Grange

NEA (National Education NEA (National Education Association)Association)

Types of Interest GroupsTypes of Interest Groups

Social ActionSocial Action– Membership is Membership is

determined by birthdetermined by birth– Gender, Race, Gender, Race,

EthnicityEthnicity

NOWNOW– National National

Organization of Organization of WomenWomen

NAACPNAACP– National National

Association for Association for Advancement Advancement of Colored of Colored PersonsPersons

National Council National Council of Senior Citizensof Senior Citizens

Types of Interest GroupsTypes of Interest Groups

ReligiousReligious– support or oppose support or oppose

laws morallylaws morally

U.S. Catholic U.S. Catholic Conference Conference

700 Club700 Club Christian CoalitionChristian Coalition

IdeologicalIdeological– Have a specific Have a specific

political agendapolitical agenda– Have become the Have become the

center of PAC center of PAC activitiesactivities

Heritage FoundationHeritage Foundation Brookings InstituteBrookings Institute People for the People for the

American WayAmerican Way

Types of Interest GroupsTypes of Interest Groups

Single IssueSingle Issue– Focus on one policy

area

MADD (Mothers MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Against Drunk Driving)Driving)

NRA (National Rifle NRA (National Rifle Association)Association)

Public InterestPublic Interest – Environment, Voter Environment, Voter

Registration, Registration, Consumer Consumer Protection, Historic Protection, Historic preservationpreservation

League of Women League of Women VotersVoters

Sierra ClubSierra Club Common CauseCommon Cause

Problems with Interest Problems with Interest GroupsGroups

Overrepresentation of views of Overrepresentation of views of privileged classprivileged class

Utilization of free-rider concept of Utilization of free-rider concept of representationrepresentation– Benefits go to all in an industry, not just group Benefits go to all in an industry, not just group

membersmembers Benefits that go to members only (better Benefits that go to members only (better

health care, etc.)health care, etc.) Reliability of funding sources and Reliability of funding sources and

sponsorshipsponsorship Could be double influence (corporations, Could be double influence (corporations,

foundations, etc.)foundations, etc.)

Business Role in Interest Business Role in Interest GroupsGroups

Most large corporationsMost large corporations– Have their own governmental affairs Have their own governmental affairs

departmentdepartment– Employ D.C.-based lobbyists to keep them Employ D.C.-based lobbyists to keep them

apprised of legislationapprised of legislation– Have given substantial soft money in the Have given substantial soft money in the

pastpast– Still use PACS & 527s which means they Still use PACS & 527s which means they

still contribute a great deal of moneystill contribute a great deal of money

Legislators tend to Legislators tend to vote:vote:

FOR:FOR: legislation that legislation that

confers significant confers significant benefits on relatively benefits on relatively small (but organized small (but organized and active) groups and active) groups and imposes small and imposes small costs on the public at costs on the public at large large

Ex. Farm Subsidies Ex. Farm Subsidies

AGAINST:AGAINST: legislation that legislation that

imposes costs on small imposes costs on small (but organized and (but organized and active) groups and active) groups and deprives the public at deprives the public at large of relatively small large of relatively small benefitsbenefits

Ex. Benefits cuts for Ex. Benefits cuts for militarymilitary

Why People Join Interest Groups

1. Solidarity Incentives• For the social contacts• League of Women Voters, NAACP, PTSA,

American Legion

2. Material Incentives• For economic reasons • AARP, Farmers Groups, Labor Unions

3. Purposive Incentives• For moral causes / crusades• Right to-Life, Pro-Choice, Greenpeace

Who Joins Interest Groups?Who Joins Interest Groups?

Upper class interest groups- Big BusinessUpper class interest groups- Big Business– More affluent join and are activeMore affluent join and are active– White collar workersWhite collar workers– Professional groupsProfessional groups

Working class interest groups- Big LaborWorking class interest groups- Big Labor– Labor unions have been very powerful in pastLabor unions have been very powerful in past– The AFL-CIO broke up in 2004, cutting big The AFL-CIO broke up in 2004, cutting big

labor’s powerlabor’s power

Interest Group Area of Concern/Cause Who are They? Who Do They Support??

AARP -American Association of Retired Persons

Benefits for retired people- Important voting block!

Both; Middle-aged Republicans; Very old people Democrats

AFL-CIO Workplace issues and benefits for workers Labor Union/Blue collar workers; Usually votes for Democrats

American Bar Association

Concerned with legal issues such as caps on awards to victims; malpractice

Lawyers; Usually Republicans but not always

ACLU-American Civil Liberties Union

Concerned with Bill of Rights and Civil Liberties Can be both but more associated with Democrats/Libertarians

AMA- American Med. Association

Medical issues; Stem cell research; malpractice Doctors; Usually Republicans

Amnesty International

Concerned about the treatment of prisoners worldwide; political prisoners

Usually Democrats

AIPACAlso B'nai B'rith )

Civil rights; Interested in Israel issues Jewish Americans; Mostly Democrats

Children's Defense Fund

Issues involving children- insurance, Mostly Democrats

Christian Coalition Religious issues; pro-life An important voting block!

Republicans

Interest Group Area of Concern/Cause Who are They? Who Do They Support??

Common Cause Reform in government; watchdogs Both

Focus on the Family

Family- oriented issues; pro-life Republicans

League of Women Voters

Voting issues; Debates Both but many are Democrats

MADD-Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Concerned about teenage driving safety; age laws Parents/moms; Both

NAACP –Nat’l Assoc. for the Advancement of Colored People

Concerned with issues voting, and other civil rights issues; An important voting block!

African Americans; Democrats

NEA- National Education Association

Education issues; protect teacher jobs; generally against NCLB or want to reform NCLB

Teachers- High % usually vote for Democrats

NOW- Nat’l Org. for Women

Women’s issues; Pro-Choice Women; Democrats

NRA- National Rifle Association

Pro Guns/2nd Amendment Issues; Less restrictive gun laws and gun control

Republicans/Libertarians

National Right to Life Organization

Pro- Life/ Anti Abortion Republicans

National Wilderness Society

Environmental Issues Mostly Democrats- Some Republicans

Sierra Club Environmental Issues Mostly Democrats

Veterans of Foreign Wars/American Legion

Veterans; Concerned with issues about benefits Both but generally Republicans

Facts About the AARPFacts About the AARP

Among those over 50, AARP members Among those over 50, AARP members are more likely to vote than are more likely to vote than nonmembers.nonmembers.

% of Americans Registered to vote: 85%

% of AARP Members Registered to Vote-

90%

% of American who always vote in local elections:

50%

% of AARP Members who always vote in Local

Elections- 57%

% of Americans who always vote in presidential

elections77%

% of AARP Members who always vote in

presidential elections- 84%

• Most interest groups are based on economics

• Businesses (create favorable environment for business to prosper)

• Agriculture (work for price supports from gov’t, but also limit gov’t influence)

• Labor (Call public attention to the legitimate needs of working people. Accomplishments …eight-hour work day …child labor laws …minimum wage laws ...workplace health & safety laws)

• Professional (protect and advance their professional field -- to do this, they...publish journals…give awards for excellence ...communicate their opinions to gov’t officials)

Economic Interest GroupsEconomic Interest Groups

• Cause-based• (National Wildlife Federation, League of Women

Voters, National Rifle Association, MADD, Emily’s List)

• Concerned with the welfare of people• (AARP – senior citizens, NAACP – African

Americans)

• Religious Organizations • (Christian Coalition, American Jewish Congress)

Other Types of Interest Group?Other Types of Interest Group?

Direct TechniquesDirect Techniques:: Lobby at Capitol HillLobby at Capitol Hill Have private meetingsHave private meetings Meet at social Meet at social

occasionsoccasions Testify at hearingsTestify at hearings Drafting legislationDrafting legislation Providing political infoProviding political info Supply nomination Supply nomination

suggestionssuggestions

Indirect TechniquesIndirect Techniques:: Generating Public Generating Public

PressurePressure Use public pressure Use public pressure

on “hot button” on “hot button” issuesissues

Use constituents to Use constituents to call lawmakerscall lawmakers

Build alliances with Build alliances with other groupsother groups

Interest Group TechniquesInterest Group Techniques

1.1. LeadersLeaders – having a prominent leader aids – having a prominent leader aids in the reputation of the group and in the reputation of the group and enhances a group's ability to attain its enhances a group's ability to attain its goals.goals.

2.2. Patrons and Funding Patrons and Funding – funding is critical. – funding is critical. Without money, it is hard to get your Without money, it is hard to get your message out.message out.

3.3. MembersMembers – a group must have members – a group must have members to be successful. Organizing members to be successful. Organizing members allows for strength in numbers and pooling allows for strength in numbers and pooling of financial support.of financial support.

What Makes an Interest Group What Makes an Interest Group Successful?Successful?

Member duesMember dues Federal grantsFederal grants Direct mail appeals for cashDirect mail appeals for cash Internet sitesInternet sites Dinners and fundraisersDinners and fundraisers PAC’s !!!!PAC’s !!!!

Where Does the $$$ Come From?Where Does the $$$ Come From?

Goal: Form Political Action Goal: Form Political Action Committees (PACs)Committees (PACs)

Organizations, formally independent of Organizations, formally independent of candidates themselvescandidates themselves– channel money from interest groups to political channel money from interest groups to political

candidates sympathetic to their groups' policy candidates sympathetic to their groups' policy preferencespreferences

Electioneering experts who aid candidates Electioneering experts who aid candidates financially with member support financially with member support

Blossomed as a result of FECA of 1974Blossomed as a result of FECA of 1974 Buckley v. Valeo created the “PAC man” Buckley v. Valeo created the “PAC man” Most money goes to incumbentsMost money goes to incumbents

Political Action CommitteesPolitical Action Committees A popular term for a political committee A popular term for a political committee

organized for the purpose of raising and organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat spending money to elect and defeat candidates.candidates. – Most PACS represent business, labor or ideological Most PACS represent business, labor or ideological

interests. interests. PACS PACS are the so-called “political arms” of are the so-called “political arms” of

interest groupsinterest groups– PACS are used to elect or defeat government

officials and promote legislation The “The “revolving doorrevolving door””

– PACS hire former members of Congress to lobby PACS hire former members of Congress to lobby their old friends, committees, etc…their old friends, committees, etc…

– This is legal but …Is this This is legal but …Is this Ethical???Ethical???

The Birth of PACSThe Birth of PACS

In 1944, the In 1944, the Congress of Industrial Congress of Industrial Organizations, (CIO)Organizations, (CIO) wanted to help President wanted to help President Franklin Roosevelt get re-elected. Franklin Roosevelt get re-elected.

Standing in their way was the Smith Connally Act Standing in their way was the Smith Connally Act of 1943, which made it illegal for labor unions to of 1943, which made it illegal for labor unions to contribute funds to federal candidates. contribute funds to federal candidates.

The CIO then urged The CIO then urged individual union membersindividual union members to voluntarily contribute money directly to the to voluntarily contribute money directly to the Roosevelt campaign. Roosevelt campaign.

It worked very well and PACs, or political action It worked very well and PACs, or political action committees were born. committees were born.

A PAC must register six months A PAC must register six months in advance, have at least fifty in advance, have at least fifty contributors, and give to at contributors, and give to at least five candidates.least five candidates.

Corporations, unions, or other Corporations, unions, or other associations may establish PAC’s. associations may establish PAC’s.

There are over 4,000 PACs registered with the Federal Election Commission.

PAC’s gave over – $217 million to congressional

candidates in 1996– $$373 million in 2010!!!373 million in 2010!!!

Political Action Committees(PAC’s)

Money from PACSMoney from PACS PACs may receive up to $5,000 PACs may receive up to $5,000 from any one from any one

individual, PAC or party committee per individual, PAC or party committee per calendar year. calendar year.

PACs can give $5,000 PACs can give $5,000 to a candidate to a candidate committee per election (primary, general or committee per election (primary, general or special). special). – They can also give up to $They can also give up to $15,000 annually to any 15,000 annually to any

national party committee, and $5,000 annually to national party committee, and $5,000 annually to any other PAC. any other PAC.

PACS support candidates with campaign moneyPACS support candidates with campaign money– ½ sponsored by corporations; 1/10 by unions½ sponsored by corporations; 1/10 by unions– 1/3 liberal and 2/3 conservative (2001)1/3 liberal and 2/3 conservative (2001)

Incumbents get the most PAC money!! Incumbents get the most PAC money!!

Money LimitsMoney Limits

Individuals can give up to $2600 to a Individuals can give up to $2600 to a candidate but candidate but PACS can give $5,000 PACS can give $5,000 to a candidateto a candidate– Federal money will match Federal money will match presidentialpresidential

campaign money but….campaign money but….– Parties need at least 5% of vote in Parties need at least 5% of vote in

previous year for presidential candidate previous year for presidential candidate to receive funds to receive funds

– If that doesn’t happen you need PAC’s!!!If that doesn’t happen you need PAC’s!!!http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/379369/march-30-2011/colbert-pac---trevor-potter

Important PAC’sImportant PAC’s The Laborers International Union of The Laborers International Union of

North AmericaNorth America The National Association of RealtorsThe National Association of Realtors The National Rifle Association The National Rifle Association (NRA)(NRA) Microsoft CorpMicrosoft Corp Exxon Mobil Exxon Mobil EMILY’s List-EMILY’s List- EEarly arly mmoney oney iis s llike ike yyeast east

– – makes the Dough rise (Democratic women)makes the Dough rise (Democratic women)

Human Rights CampaignHuman Rights Campaign

Big Spenders in 2007-08PAC Name

Total Amount Dem Pct Repub Pct

Operating Engineers UnionOperating Engineers Union $2,612,560 86% 14%

National Assn of RealtorsNational Assn of Realtors $2,289,750 59% 41%

Intl Brotherhood of Electrical WorkersIntl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers $2,286,550 98% 2%

AT&T IncAT&T Inc $2,065,200 36% 64%

American Assn for JusticeAmerican Assn for Justice $1,904,000 95% 5%

National Beer Wholesalers AssnNational Beer Wholesalers Assn $1,856,500 52% 48%

Machinists/Aerospace Workers UnionMachinists/Aerospace Workers Union $1,840,300 97% 3%

American Bankers AssnAmerican Bankers Assn $1,818,520 39% 61%

International Assn of Fire FightersInternational Assn of Fire Fighters $1,787,600 75% 25%

National Auto Dealers AssnNational Auto Dealers Assn $1,696,000 35% 65%

National Air Traffic Controllers AssnNational Air Traffic Controllers Assn $1,638,825 77% 23%

Air Line Pilots AssnAir Line Pilots Assn $1,634,000 85% 15%

Service Employees International UnionService Employees International Union $1,631,000 94% 6%

Laborers UnionLaborers Union $1,548,500 92% 8%

Credit Union National AssnCredit Union National Assn $1,530,699 55% 45%

American Dental AssnAmerican Dental Assn $1,530,412 52% 48%

Sheet Metal Workers UnionSheet Metal Workers Union $1,509,010 97% 3%

United Parcel ServiceUnited Parcel Service $1,502,001 41% 59%

Plumbers/Pipefitters UnionPlumbers/Pipefitters Union $1,467,150 94% 6%

American Crystal SugarAmerican Crystal Sugar $1,336,500 64% 36%

http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/index.asphttp://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/index.asp

PAC Name Total Amount Dem Pct Repub Pct

Operating Engineers Union

$1,571,208 80% 20%

Honeywell $1,557,029 42% 58%

Northrop Grumman $1,539,250 40% 60%

Lockheed Martin $1,503,000 39% 61%

Every Republican is Crucial PAC

$1,500,000 0% 100%

AT&T Inc. $1,490,350 40% 60%

National Beer Wholesalers Assoc.

$1,479,500 41% 59%

Intern. Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

$1,436,024 97% 3%

2014 Top PAC Contributions2014 Top PAC Contributions

Where does all

the $$ Go?

AKA

If you give you shall receive!!

Super PACsSuper PACs Super PACs Super PACs are a new kind of political are a new kind of political

action committee created in July 2010 action committee created in July 2010 following the outcome of a federal court following the outcome of a federal court case known as case known as SpeechNow.org v. Federal SpeechNow.org v. Federal Election Commission (Election Commission (after the after the Citizens Citizens United United casecase))..– Technically they are known as Technically they are known as

““independent expenditure-only independent expenditure-only committees”committees”

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/382014/april-14-2011/colbert-super-pac---trevor-potter

Super PACsSuper PACs Super PACs may raise Super PACs may raise unlimited sums of money unlimited sums of money fromfrom

– CorporationsCorporations– UnionsUnions– Associations and individualsAssociations and individuals– They spend unlimited sums to overtly advocate for They spend unlimited sums to overtly advocate for

or or against against political candidates.political candidates. Unlike traditional PACs, Super PACs are prohibited Unlike traditional PACs, Super PACs are prohibited

from donating from donating money directly to political money directly to political candidatescandidates..

– Super PACs must, however, Super PACs must, however, report their donors to report their donors to the Federal Election Commission on a monthly or the Federal Election Commission on a monthly or quarterly basisquarterly basis -- the Super PAC's choice -- as a -- the Super PAC's choice -- as a traditional PAC wouldtraditional PAC would

Super PAC Group  Independent Expenditures  

Viewpoint   Total Raised  

American Crossroads $1,135,853 Conservative $6,643,257

House Majority PAC $919,562 Liberal $985,000

Communications Workers of America

$107,000 Liberal $295,000

Cooperative of American Physicians

$102,184 n/a $1,258,351

Priorities USA Action $96,555 Liberal $3,161,535

Majority PAC $86,550 Liberal $1,082,407

Club for Growth Action $51,917 Conservative $1,144,022

Conservative Action Fund $25,287 Conservative $35,000

Lantern Project $20,435 Liberal $25,310

Freedomworks for America $12,295 Conservative $0

Turn Right USA $5,792 Conservative $285

United Mine Workers of America Power PAC

$4,782 Liberal $0

Raising Red $2,125 Conservative $200,000

Matthew 25 Network $1,100 Liberal $0

Acts Regulating LobbyistsActs Regulating Lobbyists 19461946 Federal Regulation of Lobbying Federal Regulation of Lobbying

ActAct– Lobbyists must register and file reportsLobbyists must register and file reports

19781978 Ethics in Government ActEthics in Government Act– Officials must Officials must disclose finances and disclose finances and

employmentemployment after leaving government serviceafter leaving government service 19951995 The Lobbying Disclosure ActThe Lobbying Disclosure Act

– Must Register and Report clientsMust Register and Report clients– Estimate how much they are paid and report Estimate how much they are paid and report

the % to the governmentthe % to the government

FYI- Approximately 4 Million Dollars FYI- Approximately 4 Million Dollars were spent lobbying EACH member were spent lobbying EACH member of Congress in 2005!of Congress in 2005!

Jack Abramoff ScandalJack Abramoff Scandal ““Super-Lobbyist” Super-Lobbyist” Abramoff Abramoff

plead guilty to corruption plead guilty to corruption charges in 2006charges in 2006

Abramoff pleaded guilty to Abramoff pleaded guilty to defrauding the Native defrauding the Native American tribes that were American tribes that were his clients, to tax evasion his clients, to tax evasion and to conspiring to bribe and to conspiring to bribe public officials public officials

He He illegally gave gifts and illegally gave gifts and made campaign donations made campaign donations to legislators in return for to legislators in return for votes or support of votes or support of legislation legislation

Several federal officials Several federal officials were also accused and were also accused and found guilty in the scandalfound guilty in the scandal

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/http://www.pbs.org/moyers/moyersonamerica/capitol/moyersonamerica/capitol/watch.htmlwatch.html