Political Action Committees (PACs)
Purpose: Political Action Committees (PACs) are organizations that raise and spend money to elect or defeat political candidates, primarily at the federal level. They represent a specific interest, industry, or cause, allowing individuals and groups to pool their resources to support candidates who align with their priorities.
Influence on Campaign Funding: PACs can directly contribute to candidates' campaigns up to a certain limit set by federal law. They also engage in independent expenditures, promoting candidates through advertising and other means without coordinating directly with the campaign. By funding advertisements, events, and outreach efforts, PACs can significantly influence election outcomes, aligning candidates' policies with the interests of the PAC's supporters.
Special Interest Groups
Purpose: Special Interest Groups are organizations that advocate for specific issues, causes, or policies. They can range from labor unions and environmental organizations to business associations and professional societies. Their ultimate goal is to influence public policy and legislation in favor of their specific interests.
Influence on Campaign Funding: Special interest groups often contribute to PACs or create their own PACs to channel funds into political campaigns. They may also engage in lobbying efforts to persuade legislators and regulators. By mobilizing their members to donate to campaigns, conducting grassroots outreach, and providing information and research to candidates, these groups can shape political agendas and push candidates to adopt their preferred policies. The resources of special interest groups can thus have a substantial impact on campaign funding and the electoral process as a whole.