July 27, 2011
A political action committee (PAC) is a private group that raises money for electioneering activities. A PAC can be affiliated with an organization or special interest, or operate specifically to elect or defeat a particular candidate. Federal PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Committee while state PACs operate under the state’s own elections guidelines. A PAC for a Texas state election must file with the Texas Ethics Commission. Starting your own PAC gives you a stake in a campaign and a place at the political table while bringing attention to an issue or candidate you feel strongly about.
Texas Ethics Commission Requirements
Step 1
Define the type of PAC you are forming. Texas differentiates general-purpose and specific-purpose PACS. General-purpose PACS support or oppose two or more unidentified candidates or officeholders (members of a party or proponents of an issue, for example) or one or more unidentified measures. Specific-purpose PACS support or oppose identified candidates seeking known office, identified officeholders, identified measures or a single unidentified candidate. Texas also recognizes judicial-specific PACS.
Step 2
Appoint a campaign treasurer and file with the Texas Ethics Commission. A PAC must file a treasurer before accepting contributions or making expenditures exceeding $500. General-purpose PACs must file a Form GTA and specific-purpose PACs file Form STA.
Step 3
Begin raising money. The campaign treasurer must file contribution and expenditure reports with the Texas Ethics Commission according to the filing schedule.
Logistics of Starting a PAC
Step 1
Identify the need and support for a PAC. Organizations should consult the board of directors and association members. Nonaffiliated groups should confirm that general support exists for a fruitful PAC.
Step 2
Establish an implementation timeline. Ideally, a PAC is established well before the election year to raise funds and interest. Starting a PAC before a potential candidate announces his candidacy might encourage him to run. Starting a PAC in support or opposition of an issue will garner attention for that cause.
Step 3
Step 4Create bylaws and establish leadership in the PAC. A PAC runs like a business. Establish a system of oversight to protect the PAC’s interests and create clear guidelines for the PAC’s activities.
Solicit money. The American College of Radiology Association PAC suggests using enrollment cards or dues, developing online payment options, creating incentives, having a recognition and reward system for contributors, and training peer solicitors for internal fundraising. A non-affiliated PAC will have to solicit outside funds through phone solicitations, events, and personal and professional networking.
Resources and References
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