It May be too Cold to Door-knock, But it’s Not too Cold to Raise Money!
The weather outside may be frightful in some parts of our country, but December and January are not months to lay off the politics. If you live in Iowa or New Hampshire you know full well that politicians have no problem calling you or filling your mailbox on December 25th. While you don’t need to be as intrusive as a Presidential candidate, you can still be active and make sure your local Association is ready for November 4, 2008.
State and local campaigns are in their early stages and many candidates are still deciding if they want to run for office. Having the financial resources ready when they are is the key to a building industry-friendly legislative body. It is important to use these early months of the year to build up your local, state, and national Political Action Committees (PAC.) Raising money is not just the job of an EO or Government Affairs Chair. Each Association member can raise the funds that will provide the winning edge to the candidates you choose. The organizations and local leaders we usually oppose at the ballot box are raising money for their PACs. We must do the same.
Why raise money for the PAC and not a candidate?
If you are willing to be a very active individual you should raise contributions for both. However, it will do more good for our industry as a whole if the local, state, and national PACs are able to deliver a clear and strong message of support to candidates. Contributions from local and state HBA PACs help protect jobs and build the bench of possible building industry-friendly members of Congress.
How much do I ask for?
The short answer is as much as a donor will give. It is most important to secure the first contribution, no matter the amount. Start with a dollar a day for each PAC ($365 divided by three.) That comes out to $120 a year to your local, state, and national PACs. This ensures that each level of the federation is able to tout large numbers of donors and give the maximum amount to each worthy candidate and cause.
Who do I ask?
Start by learning the law. On the federal level an NAHB member can only ask another NAHB member for a PAC contribution. Some states may allow wider solicitation. Make your first asks to those with whom you work closely. With each conversation make sure you ask for a contribution and the name of someone else who may be interested in contributing.
Make a resolution to find five new donors to the PAC. The return on the investment is only months away.
For more information on PAC fundraising, contact Erika Park at EPark@nahb.com. For more information on building your political affairs program contact Gideon Lett, GLett@nahb.com or Karl Eckhart, Keckhart@nahb.com.
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