Soliciting PACs
From Democratic GAIN Wiki
The keys to fundraising from political action committees (PACs) are to solicit PACs that your candidate agrees with on the issues and to establish the electoral viability of your campaign. Remember PACs are professional givers and will only invest in your campaign if they believe you have a good chance of winning.
Incumbents, of course, have a natural advantage over challengers and will raise a significant portion of their overall budgets from PACs. If they are viable candidates running for open seats should be able to secure significant PAC contributions as well. Challengers, however, will have a much harder time raising money from PACs unless they are running a strong campaign in a competitive district or a contested primary.
Providing a prospectus to PAC directors can also be useful in convincing them to make a contribution to your campaign. This document should include a biography of the candidate, an overview of the political environment in the district, an explanation of why you will win, a polling memo prepared by your pollster and a description of how to make a contribution to the campaign, along with positive press clips. Always provide PAC directors with regular updates from the campaign, including recent endorsements and polling.
When requesting contributions from PACs, follow protocol. If you have the financial resources available to retain a consultant who specializes in obtaining PAC money, do so. Each PAC is unique and it’s extremely helpful to have a consultant who has personal connections in the PAC community. In most instances, it is appropriate to approach the national PAC first to find your local contact. Make sure that the national PAC is aware that you are not asking for a contribution at this point, just reaching out to their membership. Call the local PAC and ask that it endorses your campaign and forward a funding request to the national. Whenever possible, get a copy of all local correspondence between local and national PACs so that you can encourage the national PAC to make a contribution.
[edit] Notes for Challengers
- Challengers have a harder time securing PAC contributions.
- Expect PAC contributions later in the cycle.
- Have elected officials host events on your behalf.
- Have a PAC prospectus to share with PACs.
General: Fundraising | Fundraising Plan | Fundraising Principles | Fundraising Technology
Spending: Budgeting
Compliance: Overview
Techniques: Call time | Fundraising mail | PAC Fundraising | Events | Online Fundraising
