2011 Legislative Day - PAC Rules

by Christopher Hansen - Lobbyist with GrayRobinson

Political Action Committees (PACs) are an important aspect of American politics and the American electoral system. In the United States, a PAC is the name commonly given to a private group, regardless of size, organized to elect political candidates or to advance the outcome of a political issue or legislation. The origin of PACs dates back to 1974 when 608 Political Action Committees were registered with the Federal Election Committee (FEC). This number continues to grow, both on the Federal level and state. Today there are thousands of PACs in this country, including our own: Florida Architects Political Action Committee (FAPAC).

The Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects formed FAPAC during the 1980’s, and it has been raising money from individual architects and corporations ever since. FAPAC historically has maintained a budget of between $25,000 - $50,000 per election cycle. Next year’s election will be expensive. We already have term-limits in Florida – 8 years – plus the 2012 election is a reapportionment year. This means all 40 Florida Senators and all 120 Florida House of Representative members are on the ballot running in newly-defined districts. Here are a few pointers as your prepare to write your FAPAC dues checks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How much can I write to a candidate running for State Legislature?
A: There is a $500 limit on the amount that can be given to a candidate at any given time. You can give $500 during the primary election cycle and a second $500 during the general election cycle.

Q: Can I write a check from my corporate account?
A: Yes. For state elections (not federal), a corporate check can be written.

Q: If my firm gave, can I give a personal check? What about my spouse?
A: Yes and yes. Checks, for up to $500, can be given from an individual, their corporation, and spouse to the same candidate.

Q: Can FAPAC give more than $500 to a candidate?
A: No. The same limits apply to a PAC.

Q: Can my firm reimburse me for campaign contributions?
A: Absolutely not. An individual cannot be reimbursed for a campaign contribution.

Q: I noticed that FAPAC gave a check to a political party in excess of $500. Is that right?
A: Checks written to political parties per both personal and corporate have no limits.

Q: I am a member of FAPAC. Can my firm give to FAPAC as well?
A: Yes, FAPAC can take both personal and corporate donations.

Q: Is a contribution to FAPAC limited to $500 as well?
A: Not at all. FAPAC can receive donations above $500 from both personal and corporate entities.

Q: I know I am going to give two $500 checks to my local representative’s campaign; can I just write one $1,000 check?
A: No. While this “front loading” is permissible in federal elections it is not for state offices.

Q: Can’t we just get our employees to write checks, and we can give them a bonus down the road to cover this?
A: No. A business cannot in any way pay their employees to make campaign contributions.

Q: Ok, I can’t get a FAPAC check for the congressman. Can my company write a check?
A: No. Unlike state elections, a candidate for federal office cannot receive corporate contributions. Personal checks only.

(Note: Federal elections – President, U.S. Senate and Congress – have higher limits than state offices.)