Friday, April 20, 2012

How to Start a Texas State Political Action Committee

eHow
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
Create 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.

Step 4
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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