Legal Definitions - political-action committee

A Political-Action Committee (PAC) is a type of organization established by a specific interest group, corporation, or labor union. Its primary function is to raise and spend money to elect or defeat political candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation. PACs typically support candidates who are expected to advance the interests or agenda of the group that formed them.

Here are some examples to illustrate how Political-Action Committees operate:

• Example 1: Technology Industry PAC

  A group of major technology companies might collectively form a PAC. This PAC would then raise money from executives, employees, and other stakeholders within the tech industry. The funds collected would be donated to the campaigns of congressional candidates who have publicly supported policies favorable to the technology sector, such as reduced corporate taxes for tech firms, increased government funding for research and development, or regulations that promote innovation. This example demonstrates how a PAC serves the specific financial and regulatory interests of a particular industry by backing candidates aligned with those goals.

• Example 2: Environmental Advocacy PAC

  A national environmental protection organization could establish a PAC to further its mission. This PAC would solicit donations from its members, environmental activists, and concerned citizens. The money raised would then be contributed to the campaigns of state legislative candidates who have strong records on climate change initiatives, advocate for renewable energy subsidies, or champion the protection of natural habitats. Here, the PAC acts as a financial vehicle to support politicians who are likely to advance environmental causes, thereby promoting the group's specific interest in conservation and sustainability.

• Example 3: Healthcare Professionals PAC

  A professional association representing nurses across the country might create a PAC. This PAC would gather funds from its members, including individual nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing educators. The collected funds would then be donated to candidates running for governor or state assembly who have committed to increasing funding for nursing education programs, improving nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals, or expanding access to healthcare services in underserved communities. This illustrates how a PAC serves the professional and advocacy interests of a specific group of healthcare providers by financially supporting candidates whose policy positions align with their goals within the healthcare system.