The Longview Chamber Political Engagement“How to Apply Our Voice”

Political Strategy Subcommittee Report to the Longview Chamber Board

October 25, 2012

American Chamber of Commerce Executive’s active survey

Many seek access to decision makers

•Current landscape• Other business organizations (TAB, realtors, home builders, etc.)• Labor organizations • Trial bar

Tools used to influence:• Lobbyists• Grassroots organizations• Political Action Committees

Top sources of influence

1. People

2. Money

3. Lobbyists

4. Grassroots*Showalter Group

study

What’s Happening In Texas?

*source Texas for Public Justice

The Longview Chamber Political Engagement

Current Role: Public Policy Statements Legislative Trips to Austin/DC Luncheons Elected Officials Reception www.longviewvotes.com

Moving Forward:

Candidate endorsement (NO PAC Needed) Form a Political Action Committee

Pros:• Added advocacy tool• Seat at the table/setting the

agenda• Building a culture of political

action/grassroots involvement• Membership development tool

Cons:• Backing the losing candidate• Short-term loss of members• Staff time• Major funding raising • Separate organization

The Longview Chamber Political Engagement Principles

Proposed PAC structure

Chamber

Board ofDirectors

BusinessAdvocacy Council

PoliticalInvolvement

PAC

PAC Board

What Would Our Goals Look Like

Why additional political engagement?

Growing Our Political Engagement

Three Phases

The Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 1: Education

Scorecard Local, State and Federal Policy

Makers Longview Chamber Public Policy

Agenda Issues Notified a vote will count on

Longview Chamber Scorecard Scorecard Published & Distributed

to Longview Chamber Members Prior to Election

Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 1: Education

Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 2: Candidate Endorsement

Confidential Candidate Interview Questions on Chamber Public Policy

Agenda Identify Candidates Who Support

Business Local (Gregg County and City of

Longview), State and Federal Elections in Chamber Territory

Discretion Not to Endorse Bi-Partisan Chamber Volunteers

Recommend Slate of Endorsed Candidates Based upon Background and Interview

Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 2: Candidate Endorsement

INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE

An independent expenditure, in elections in the United States, is a political campaign communication that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate that is not made in cooperation, consultation or concert with or at the request or suggestion of a candidate, candidate’s authorized committee or a political party. If a candidate, his agent, his authorized committee, his party, or an "agent" for one of these groups becomes "materially involved", the expenditure is not independent

Longview Chamber Political EngagementPhase 3: Political ContributionsOption A: Independent Expenditure

Support Super PACS Unlimited Corporate

Contributions No Coordination with

Campaigns Direct Election Advocacy Issue/Candidate Support

Longview Chamber Political EngagementPhase 3: Political Contributions Option A: Independent Expenditure

Longview Chamber Political EngagementPhase 3: Political ContributionsOption B: Traditional Candidate PAC

Personal Contributions Expenditures Directly to

Candidates/Campaign Committees

Result of Endorsements or Role of Policy Maker

Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 3: Political Contributions Option B: Traditional Candidate PAC

Longview Chamber Political EngagementPhase 3: Political ContributionsOption C: Ballot Issue PAC

Corporate Contributions Independent

Expenditure Campaign Issues Not Candidates

Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 3: Political Contributions Option C: Ballot Issue PAC

A Start Not A Conclusion

Next Steps for Discussion

Political Engagement Subcommittee Conclusions

• Task force appointed to pursue possible Implementation

• Further Research

Q & A