The Democratic Ecosystem
What is a PAC?
A PAC is an organization that collects contributions and spends it within the political realm.
What is hard money vs. soft money?
Hard: Direct contributions to candidates, heavily regulated
Soft: Contributions to groups within the ecosystem. No contribution and spending limit.
What is an IE?
Independent Expenditure:
Money spent to influence an election that is NOT coordinated with a campaign.
What does PAC stand for?
Political Action Committee
Arizona is a "swing" state. What does that mean?
Competitive, any party may win.
Name four of the eight political entities listed under the Democratic Ecosystem
•Parties •Leadership PACs •Super PACs •Issue groups •Labor unions •State parties •County parties •Legislative districts
What does it mean to be "coordinated"?
On the hard side (on the campaigns).
What are IEs spent on, typically?
TV ads, Digital ads, Mailers, Texting and phone programs, Voter turnout (GOTV) messaging, Opposition or attack ads
What does ADLCC stand for?
The Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
Who is the chair of ADP?
Charlene Fernandez
What is the hierarchy of groups involved?
National Party -> Congressional Committees -> State Parties -> County Parties ->Legislative Districts -
> Candidates
What is the key rule for soft side organizations?
They cannot coordinate with hard side/campaigns!
Why run an IE?
Candidates themselves cannot run negative messaging, but IEs can!
What does the DNC stand for?
The Democratic National Committee
What does the ADLCC do? Who is the chair?
The ADLCC works to flip the Arizona State Legislature and elect Democrats
Chair: Sen. Priya Sundereshan
What is the difference between a PAC and the party?
PACs are outside spending, separate from the party.
The party is all internal spending (DNC, ADP)
What is the typical contribution limit to hard side organizations?
$3k–$6k
How much money can be spent on an IE?
Unlimited!
What does the DCCC stand for?
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
What is Katie Hobbs's PAC called?
Copper State Victory PAC
What are majority PACs?
National IE PACs aimed at taking partisan control of the branches of the legislature.
TRICK QUESTION
They can be both! For example, Keep AZ Blue has a both a hard side and a soft side to our PAC.
How can you track IE spending (at least here in Arizona)?
See the Money!
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
What type of PAC is Keep AZ Blue (for the most part)?`
A state mega-PAC