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Over Forty Corporate PACs Top $1 Million in 2015 Receipts
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2/10/2016
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Federal political action committees of corporations reported strong activity last year with over forty PACs raising more than $1 million from their officers, employees and others in their restricted class.
Honeywell International PAC was by far the leader having receipts of $4.7 million. Six other corporate PACs raised between $2 million and $3 million, and thirty-four others raised more than $1 million and less than $2 million.
Officers, executives, employees, their spouses and shareholders may contribute up to $5,000 per year to a corporate PAC. Many employees contribute via a payroll deduction plan which automatically takes money out of their paycheck.
More than 1,400 corporate PACs are registered with the Federal Election Commission to make contributions to federal candidates, parties, and other PACs. Some of these federal PACs also raise funds to contribute to state and local candidates.
Here are the corporate PACs with the largest receipts in 2015. For a complete list of all PACs and their 2015 receipts, use Political MoneyLine's database of All PACs and click on the "Browse PAC Names" tab.
Honeywell Int'l PAC $4.72 million AT&T Inc PAC $2.68 million United Parcel Service $2.48 million Comcast Corp & NBCUniversal PAC-Federal $2.47 million Employees of Northrop Grumman Corp. PAC $2.47 million Lockheed Martin Corp. Employees' PAC $2.44 million The Boeing Company PAC $2.21 million Enterprise Holdings Inc. PAC $1.95 million Home Depot Inc. PAC $1.94 million Raytheon Company PAC $1.86 million Koch Industries Inc. PAC $1.84 million Deloitte PAC $1.75 million General Electric Company PAC $1.75 million BNSF Railway Company RAILPAC $1.72 million Union Pacific Corp. Fund for Effective Government $1.64 million
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FEC Starts Inquiry Into Cruz Loans
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2/8/2016
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The Federal Election Commission has requested additional information from the campaign committee of Sen. Ted Cruz about loans received during his 2012 election campaign.
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) sent a letter to the Ted Cruz for Senate committee asking for the detailed information by March 8, 2016. "Adequate responses must be received by the Commission on or before the due date above to be taken into consideration in determining whether audit action will be initiated." "Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action."
The FEC requested the committee amend their 2012 reports "to indicate the source of each loan, whether the loan is derived from the candidate's personal funds or if he/she obtained the loan from a bank loan, brokerage account, credit card, home equity line of credit, or other line of credit."
The Request For Additional Information (RFAI) letter went on to state, "If a candidate loan was obtained from a lending institution, you must file a Schedule C-1 with the Commission, providing the name of the lending institution and the complete terms of the loan between the candidate and the lending institution."
The Ted Cruz for Senate committee had filed an amendment to their 2012 reports in January 2016, indicating in a short note that what had been reported by the committee in 2012 as possibly $1 million in 'personal loans' was really from other sources. View earlier PoliticalMoneyLine posting. |
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Republican Campaign Committee Scores $25K From DraftKings
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2/8/2016
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A Republican campaign committee that raises funds nationally for state-level candidates reported receiving $25,000 from DraftKings, a fantasy sports contest company currently under investigation by federal officials and some state attorneys general.
The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), a Section 527 political organization, reported it had receipts of $8,471,484 and expenditures of $8,339,180 during the last six months of 2015, For the year, the committee had receipts of $14,426,058. The largest donation in the last six months was $1,530,000 from the US Chamber of Commerce ($1,795,000 for the year).
The RSLC received the $25,000 from DraftKings (Boston, MA) on July 31, 2015. DraftKings also gave $15,000 to another Section 527 organization, the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), on September 8, 2015.
During the last six months of 2015, RSLC large donations included $333,575 from Altria Client Services (VA) ($333,810 for the year); $231,968 from Reynolds American (VA) ($563,738 for the year); $201,250 from Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Research Assn. (DC)($212,250 for the year); $100,399 from AstraZeneca Services (DE)($200,399 fro the year); $150,235 from Farmers Group (CA) ($202,735 for the year); $135,000 from the NRA ($145,000 for the year); $78,543 from Koch Industries Inc (KS)($178,543 for the year); among others.
The RSLC paid $75,000 to Ed Gillespie Strategies (VA). Gillespie had been chairman of the RNC, and a 2014 U.S. Senate candidate, losing to Sen. Mark Warner, D. Gillespie has announced he will run for Virginia Governor in 2017. The committee gave Virginia state candidates $973,200. The committee gave $606,000 to the RSLC-Mississippi; and $170,000 to New York party committees; among others. The committee paid Baker Hostetler $213,199 for legal fees.
The Democratic State Legislative Committee (DSLC), a Section 527 political organization, reported $2,806,683 in receipts and $2,984,326 in expenditures during the last six months of 2015. For the year, the committee raised $4,994,694. The largest donation was $331,500 from Donald Sussman (founder, Paloma Partners, ME).
Other large donations included $150,000 from the Int'l Brotherhood of Teamsters-DRIVE; $140,000 from RAI Services (NC); $100,000 from the United Food & Commercial Workers Union; $100,000 from the Int'l. Assn. of Firefighters; $100,000 from Astellas Phrma US (IL) ($125,000 for the year); among others.
The DSLC gave $281,500 to Maine state party committee, and paid Perkins Coie $95,000 for legal fees, among other expenditures. |
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Super PACs Make Final Push In New Hampshire
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2/4/2016
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Super PACs, which can raise unlimited amounts from a donor, are spending heavily on media ads during the last week before the New Hampshire primary.
Right To Rise USA, a super PAC making independent expenditures supporting Jeb Bush, reported Wednesday to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) spending $4,836,624 on media ads starting this week and impacting on New Hampshire voters, and some in a national cable buy on Fox News. The ads support Bush, and some oppose Marco Rudio and John Kasich. The committee also paid $55,054 for direct mail in New Hampshire.
Conservative Solutions PAC, a Super PAC supporting Marco Rubio, reported to the FEC Tuesday it spent $2,310,600 on media ads supporting Rubio and some opposing Ted Cruz. The ads started to run Tuesday in New Hampshire and some nationally. The committee also paid $217,964 for online advertising to impact on New Hampshire, and $147,202 on New Hampshire direct mail.
America Leads, a Super PAC supporting Chris Christie, reported to the FEC Tuesday spending $1,225,575 on media ads in New Hampshire supporting Christie and opposing John Kasich. The ads started to run on Monday.
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Trump Super PAC Returns $1 Million, But Trump Foundation Winds Up With It
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2/3/2016
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A super PAC supporting Donald Trump reported today it had raised $1.7 million, but that included a million-dollar contribution, which has been returned to the donor, who then gave $1 million to Trump's Foundation.
In its first disclosure report, Make America Great Again, a super PAC supporting the presidential campaign of Donald Trump, reported it had receipts of $1,732,684 and disbursements of $1,584,969, leaving $147,715 cash-on-hand as of December 31st.
The super PAC received a $1 million contribution on July 16th from Phil Ruffin (investor, Treasure Island, Las Vegas, NV), but returned it on December 3, 2015. Ruffin is a Las Vegas businessman involved in casinos, real estate, race tracks and convenience stores. He is in a joint venture with Donald Trump on the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas, NV. News reports indicate Ruffin and his wife donated $1 million to the Donald J. Trump Foundation's January 2016 fundraiser to benefit veterans.
Top donors to the super PAC included $100,000 each from Andy Beal (investor, Houston, TX); Michael Dezertov (Sunny Isle, FL); Seryl Kushner (Livingston, NJ); and Philip Pilevsky (New York, NY). Another donor was Douglas Development Corp. (Washington, D.C.), which gave $10,000. Most of the fifty-one itemized donors did not include the required disclosure of donor occupations.
The committee spent $171,585 on polling and $120,000 on consulting, among other expenditures. The disclosure report was filed late this afternoon, after the January 31st deadline.
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Publicly Traded Corporations Avoid Super PACs But Give Big $ to RGA and DGA (Updated)
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2/2/2016
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Publicly Traded corporations have continued to avoid giving shareholder dollars to unaccountable Super PACs, but give regularly to the Republican Governors Association (RGA) and the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), according to new campaign finance reports.
Super PACs reported over the weekend their financial activity during the last six months of 2015. The corporate-related contributions reported were mostly from private companies or the founders/chairman/CEO of closely held private companies. Very few public corporations contributed, as was the case in the first six months of 2015 (view earlier PML posting).
Here is an early look at the few corporate contributions from publicly traded companies to Super PACs in the last six months of 2015: Chevron (NYSE: CVX, an energy company based in San Ramon, CA, gave $1 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, a Super PAC founded by Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate. John S. Watson is company CEO. Devon Energy Production Company, a subsidiary of Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN), an independent natural gas and oil producer, based in Oklahoma City, OK, gave $750,000 to the Senate Leadership Fund. J. Larry Nichols is company CEO. MC Roseland NJ Holding LLC, a subsidiary of Mack-Cali Realty Corp (NYSE: CLI), a real estate firm based in Edison, NJ, gave $250,000 to Coalition for Progress, a Super PAC supporting Jersey City Mayor for governor. The company CEO is Mitchell E. Rudin. (Updated) Copart (NASDAQ: CPRT), an online vehicle auction company based in Dallas, TX, gave $100,000 to Believe Again, a Super PAC supporting the presidential campaign of former Louisiana Republican Governor Bobby Jindal. Willis J. Johnson is company chairman, and A. Jayson Adair is CEO. Copart also gave $150,000 to Unintimidated PAC, a Super PAC supporting Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Updated. Masimo Corp. (NASDAQ: MASI), a manufacturer of patient monitoring technology based in Irvine, CA, gave $100,000 to the Senate Majority PAC, a Super PAC founded by Democratic leaders in the U.S. Senate. The company CEO is Joe Kani. Centene Management Company, a subsidiary of Centene Corp. (NYSE: CNC), a health care enterprise based in St. Louis, MO, gave $40,000 to We The People, Not Washington, a Super PAC that supported former New York Republican Governor George Pataki. Michael F. Neidorff is company CEO. Updated. Axiall Corporation (NYSE: AXLL), a chemical manufacturer based in Atlanta, GA, gave $25,000 to Fund for Louisiana's Future, a Super PAC supporting Sen. David Vitter, R-LA. Timothy Mann Jr. is company CEO.
The RGA and the DGA continue to pull in large political contributions from public corporations, as well as those from private companies, executives, individuals, labor organizations, and others.
The Republican Governors Assn. (RGA), a Section 527 political organization, reported receipts of $20,287,614 and expenditures of $6,359,309 during the last six months of 2015. For all of 2015, they raised $43,636,685. Major donors in the last six months include Karen Wright (CEO Ariel Corp.) $500,000; Kenneth Griffin (CEO, Citadel Corp.) $500,000; Bernard Marcus (retired) $500,000; Mountaire Corp. $300,000; RAI Services $275,000; Joe Craft III (CEO, Alliance Resource Partners) $260,000; AETNA $250,000; New Balance Athletic Shoe $250,000; Ryan Innovative Solutions $250,000; Michael Shannon (managing director, KSL Capital Partners) $250,000; Anthem $200,000; Nextera Energy Resources $200,000; Travelers Companies $150,000; BP $100,000; Comcast $100,000; Alliant Energy $100,000; Amgen $100,000; among many others.
The Democratic Governors Assn. (DGA), a Section 527 political organization, reported receipts of $12,193,285 and expenditure of $13,208,907 during the last six months of 2015. For all of 2015, they raised $25,136,825. Major donors in the last six months include AETNA $250,000; Astellas Phrma US $250,000; NEA Fund for Children Public Education $250,000; Laborers Political League $250,000; Microsoft $200,000; AT&T Services $200,000; Anthem $170,000; RAI Services $100,000; Wal-Mart Stores $100,000; Common Good VA $333,493; Great American Media $274,671; among many others.
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Some New House Candidates Jump Start Their 2016 Campaigns
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2/1/2016
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New campaign finance reports show several candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives have jump started their 2016 campaigns.
Vincente Gonzalez, D-TX, reported receipts of $752,700 in the fourth quarter, leaving $523,795 cash-on-hand to start 2016. He loaned his campaign 750,000 in the fourth quarter. Trey Hollingsworth, R-IN, reported receipts of $694,333 in the fourth quarter, leaving $510,443 cash-on-hand to start 2016. He loaned his campaign $594,500 in the fourth quarter. Paul Mitchell, R-MI, reported receipts of $610,796 in the fourth quarter, with $769,500 cash-on-hand to start 2016. He loaned his campaign $460,000 in the fourth quarter. Glen Robertson, R-TX, reported receipts of $557,293 in the fourth quarter, with $111,984 cash-on-hand to start 2016. He loaned his campaign $445,880 in the fourth quarter. Kathleen Matthews, D-MD, reported receipts of $503,888 in the fourth quarter, with $1,147,930 cash-on-hand to start 2016.
In a reverse movement of money, the campaign committee of former Rep. Ed Pastor, D-AZ, donated $1,000,060 in December to the Congressman Ed Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service at Arizona State University. The Center will encourage political engagement among students and the broader community.
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Presidential Campaigns Report Finances
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1/31/2016
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The major presidential campaigns are reporting on Sunday their financial activity during the last six months of 2015.
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New Reports Show More Million-Dollar Contributions To Super PACs (Updated)
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1/30/2016
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New disclosure reports show million-dollar contributions continue to flow into Super PACs for use on independent expenditures during the 2016 elections.
Year-end reports from Super PACs are due by January 31st, but early filings show the following large contributions: Individuals: Daniel Abraham (executive, SDA Enterprisies, FL) $1 million on 12/30 to Priorities USA Action (D). Cliff Asness (founder, AQR Capital Management, NY) $1 million to Conservative Solutions (R); $300,000 on 9/29 to Senate Leadership Fund (R). Morton Bouchard (Bouchard Transportation Inc., NY) $1 million from 9/3-11/25 to Right To Rise USA (R). Norman Braman (auto dealer, Braman Motors, FL) $1 million to Conservative Solutions (R). Kevin Clifford (executive, American Foods, CA) $1 million on 7/29 to Kasich Sec. 527, New Day Independent Media Committee (R). Steven Cohen (chairman & CEO, Point72 Asset Management, CT) $1 million on 12/2 to America Leads (R). Alexandra Marie Cohen (president, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation, CT) $1 million on 12/2 to America Leads (R). Fred Eychaner (president, Newsweb Corp., IL) gave $1 million on 12/28 to House Majority PAC (D), and $1 million on 12/28 to the Senate Majority PAC (D). Paul Foster (executive chairman, Western Refining, TX) $1 million on 10/27 to Freedom Partners Action Fund (R). George Fox (financial adviser, Titan Advisors LLC, CT) $1 million from 7/6-8/14 to Citizen Super PAC (R). Richard Gilliam (manager, Cumberland Development, VA) $1 million on 10/20 to Freedom Partners Action Fund (R). Kenneth Griffin (founder & CEO, Citadel Investments, IL) $2.5 million to Conservative Solutions (R); $2 million on 11/24/ to Freedom Partners Action Fund (R); $500,000 on 12/30 to ESAFund (R); $250,000 on 12/30 to Fighting for Ohio Fund (R). Diane Hendricks (chair, Hendricks Holding Co., WI) $2 million on 11/18 to Freedom Partners Action Fund (R). David Humphreys (executive, TAMKO Building Products, MO) $1 million to Conservative Solutions (R). Seth Klarman (president, The Baupost Group LLC, MA) $1 million from 9/11 - 10/28 to American Unity PAC (R); $250,000 on 12/4 to Conservative Solutions (R); $100,000 to America Leads (R). Charles G. Koch 1997 Trust (chairman Koch Industries, KS) $3 million on 12/23 to Freedom Partners Action Fund (R). George Macricostas (executive board member, RagingWire Enterprise Solution, NV) $500,000 on 12/11 to America's Liberty PAC (R); $500,000 on 12/11 to Concerned American Voters (R). George Marcus (president, Euclidean Capital LLC, WY) gave $1 million on 8/28 to the Senate Majority PAC (D), and $300,000 on 12/29 to the House Majority PAC (D). Robert McNair (Houston Texans, TX) $500,000 on 9/17 to Conservative Authentic Responsive Leadership For You and For America (R); $500,000 on 7/14 to Pursuing America's Greatness (R). Robert Mercer (financial consultant, Renaissance Technologies, NY) $1 million to John Bolton Super PAC (R); $500,000 on 7/14 to Pursuing America;s Greatness (R); $500,000 on 8/24 to Conservative Solutions PAC (R); $200,000 on 9/29 to Fighting for Florida Fund (R). A. Perenchio (Chartwell Partners LLC, CA) $2.3 million frm 8/20-11/4 to Conservative Authentic Responsive Leadership For You and For America (R); Adam and Tara Ross (CEO, Goldcrest Investments) $1 million on 12/28 to Stand for Truth (R). Haim and Cheryl Saban (chairman & CEO, Saban Entertainment, CA) $3,000,002 on 12/11 to Priorities USA Action. Herbert Sandler (philanthropist, CA) $1.5 million on 12/18 to Priorities USA Action (D). Bernard Schwartz (chairman & CEO, BLS Investments, NY) $1 million on 8/21 to Priorities USA Action (D); $250,000 on 12/4 to House Majority PAC (D). Paul Singer (CEO, Elliott Management Corp., NY) $2.5 million to Conservative Solutions (R); $500,000 to ESAFund (R); $250,000 on 12/10 to Fighting for Ohio Fund (R). George Soros (chairman, Soros Fund Management, NY) $6 million on 12/17 to Priorities USA Action (D). Mary Spencer (investor, FL) $1 million on 10/19 to Conservative Solutions (R). Warren Stephens (chairman & CEO, Stephens Inc, AR) $1 million to Senate Leadership Fund (R); $500,000 on 9/29 to American Crossroads (R). S. Donald Sussman (founder and chairman, Paloma Partners LLC, ME) gave $1.5 million on 12/30 to Priorities USA Action (D); $1 million from 9/3-12/29 to House Majority PAC (D); $331,500 on 8/21 to the Sec. 527 Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. Peter Thiel (Thiel Capital LLC, CA) $2 million to Conservative Authentic Responsive Leadership For You and For America (R). Thomas Tull (CEO, Legendary Pictures, CA) $1 million on 12/8 to Priorities USA Action (D). Elizabeth Uihlein (president, Ulline Corp, IL) gave $1,750,000 on 8/7 to the Unintimidated PAC (R); $500,000 on 12/1 to Walker's 527, Our American Revival. Richard Uihlein (CEO, Uline Corp., IL) gave $750,000 on 8/7 to Unintimidated PAC (R); $1.5 million from 7/16-12/16 to Restoration PAC (R); $500,000 on 12/2 to Americas PAC (R); $500,000 on 11/20 to Walker's 527 Our American Revival; $150,000 on 9/8 to Senate Conservatives Action (R); $100,000 on 9/8 to Conservative Authentic Responsive Leadership For You and For America (R). Laurie Woods (not employed, CA) $1.1 million on 9/3-9/29 to Progressive Women Silicon Valley Federal PAC (D); 1,585,000 from 9/8-12/17 to Priorities USA Action (D).
Companies Giving: C.V. Starr & Co. Inc. (NY) $10 million on 10/21 to Right To Rise USA (R). Access Industries (FL) $1 million on 12/8 to Senate Leadership Fund (R); $500,000 on 8/8 to Unintimidated PAC (R); $300,000 on 10/7 to Security is Strength PAC (R); $250,000 on 12/8 to Conservative Solutions (R); DE First Holdings (DE) gave $1 million on 12/24 to the Coalition for Progress (D). Chevron (CA) gave $1 million on 9/28 to Senate Leadership Fund (R). Petrodome Energy (TX) gave $1 million to Senate Leadership Fund (R).
Labor organizations Giving: American Federation of Teachers COPE $1 million on 12/23 to Priorities USA Action (D). AFL-CIO and AFL-CIO COPE $2.5 million from 11/30-12/14 to Workers' Voice (D). Int'l Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) $1 million on 12/2 to Priorities USA Action (D). United Association Political Education Committee $1 million on 12/9 to Priorities USA Action (D). Working for Working Americans $1.5 million on 12/22 to Priorities USA Action (D).
Top Super PACs: Priorities USA Action, supporting Clinton, reported raising $25.3 million during the last six months of 2015. PML subscribers see more detail. Right To Rise USA, supporting Bush, reported raising $15.1 million in the last six months of 2015. PML subscribers see more detail. Freedom Partners Action Fund, supporting Republicans, reported raising $11.1 million in the last six months of 2015. PML subscribers see more detail. Conservative Solutions PAC, supporting Rubio, reported raising $14.4 million in the last six months of 2015. PML subscribers see more detail. Conservative, Authentic, Responsive Leadership For You and For America, supporting Fiorina, reported raising $9.5 million in the last six months of 2015. PML subscribers see more details. Senate Leadership Fund, supporting Republicans, reported raising $6.7 million during the last six months of 2015. PML subscribers see more detail. Senate Majority PAC, supporting Democrats, reported raising $6.4 million in the last six months of 2015. PML subscribers see more detail. The 2016 Committee, supporting Carson, reported raising $6.1 million in the last six months of 2015. New Day for America and New Day Independent Media Committee, Kasich Sec. 527 committees, reported raising a combined $5,929,670 in the last six months of 2015. House Majority PAC, supporting Democrats, reported raising $5.8 million in the last six months of 2015. America Leads, supporting Republican Gov. Chris Christie, reported raising $5.1 million in the last six months of 2015. American Bridge 21st Century, supporting Clinton, reported raising $4.2 million in the last six month of 2015. Unintimidated PAC, formerly supporting Republican Governor Scott Walker, reported raising $4.1 million, but refunded $18.4 million in November, and terminated on January 29, 2016. Major refunds included $4 million to Diane Hendricks (WI); $3.95 million to Marlene Ricketts (NE); $2 million to Elizabeth Uihlein (IL); $2 million to Richard Uihlein (IL); $1.2 million to Access Industries Inc. (NY); $400,000 to Robert McNair TX); and $400,000 to Bernard Marcus (GA); among others. Concerned American Voters, supporting Paul, reported raising $3.2 million in the last six months of 2015. Workers' Voice, supporting Democrats, reported raising $3.2 million in the last six months of 2015. Stand for Truth, supporting Cruz, reported raising $2.5 million 11/17-12/31. American Crossroads, supporting Republicans, reported raising $2.4 million in the last six months of 2015. ESAFund (R) reported raising $2.1 million in the last six months of 2015. Correct the Record, supporting Clinton, reported raising $2 million in the last six months of 2015.
This list will be updated periodically this weekend. Updated through 1/31
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National Party Committees Raise $169 Million in 2015 (Updated)
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1/29/2016
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The Democratic National Committee (DNC) reported raising $6,563,215 and disbursing $5,403,645 during December, leaving $6,118,791 cash-on-hand as of December 31st, with debts of $6,932,364.
The committee received $134,823 from PACs and other committees. It also received $1,381,670 into its new accounts for recounts, headquarters, and convention. Fred Eychaner (president, Newsweb, IL) gave $100,200 to each of the three new accounts. David Trone (owner, Total Wine, MD) gave $100,200 to the recount account, $100,200 to the convention account, and $97,700 to the headquarters account. The committee transferred $783,013 to affiliated committees. The $6.9 million in debts include a $2 million loan, and $4.9 million in debts to vendors. PML Subscribers view more detail.
For all of 2015, the DNC raised (receipts less operating expense rebates, refunds) $64 million, including $4.3 million into the new accounts.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) reported receipts of $10,023,669 and disbursements of $9,580,630 during December, leaving $18,723,783 cash-on-hand as of December 31st, and debts of $1,825,000. The committee received $90,717 from PACs and other committees. The committee received $3,140,043 into their three new accounts. Sheldon Adelson (chairman & CEO, Las Vegas Sands, NY), Miriam Adelson (director of community development, Las Vegas Sands, NV), and Saul Fox (chief executive, Fox Paine & Co., CA), each gave $100,200 into each of the three accounts. The committee transferred $1 million to affiliated committees. PML subscribers view more detail.
For all of 2015, the RNC raised (receipts less operating expense rebates, refunds) $105 million, including $22 million into the new accounts.
Updated 1/31 5pm.
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House Party Campaign Committees Raise $130 Million
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1/29/2016
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The Democratic and Republican Congressional campaign committees raised a total of $130 million during 2015, with the Democrats raising $68 million and the Republican raising $62 million.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) reported receipts of $6,701,117 and disbursements of $3,557,846 during December, leaving $29,321,872 cash-on-hand as of December 31st, and no debts. The committee raised $1,394,147 from PACs and other committees. The committee received $860,070 into its new accounts for headquarters and recounts. George Millichap (chairman, Marcus & Millichap, CA) gave $100,200 to the headquarters account and $100,200 to the recount account. PML subscribers view more detail.
For the all of 2015, the DCCC had receipts (less operating expense rebates, refunds) of $68 million. View the year-end report and summary pages.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) reported receipts of $8,646,969 and disbursements of $2,222,890 during December, leaving $30,109,836 cash-on-hand as of December 31st. The committee received $1,469,129 from PACs and other committees as well as $2,641,306 transferred in from affiliated committees. The committee received $3,053,889 into their new accounts for headquarters and recounts. PML subscribers view more detail.
The following gave $100,200 to the NRCC recount account and $100,200 to the headquarters account: Cliff Asness (managing principal, AQR Capital Management, NY); John Fisher (investor, Pisces Inc., CA); Laura Khouri (president, Western National Group, CA); Thomas McInerney (co-found & CEO, Bluff Point Associates, CT); Thomas McKernan (president, AAA, CA); and Thomas Russell (engineer, UOP Russell, OK).
For all of 2015, the NRCC had receipts (less loans, and operating expense rebates and refunds) of $62 million. View the year-end report and summary pages. |
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Senate Party Campaign Committees Raise More Than $100 Million in 2015
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1/29/2016
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The Democratic and Republican Senatorial campaign committees took in over $100 million during 2015, with the Democrats raising $62 million and the Republicans raising $40 million.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) reported today it had receipts of $5,122,972 and disbursements of $4,434,118 during December, leaving $10,802,598 cash-on-hand as of December 31st, with debts of $8,357,872. The committee received $377,750 from PACs and other committees, and $776,647 into their new accounts for headquarters, and recounts. Most of the contributions into those accounts came from hard dollar leadership PACs, or non-party PACs. S. Daniel Abraham (Health Foods of America, FL) gave $50,000 to the headquarters account, and $50,000 to the recount account. Marcia Carsey (producer, Carsey-Werner Co., CA) gave $50,000 to the headquarters account. The committee repaid $1.75 million in loans.
For all of 2015, the DSCC had receipts (less operating expense refunds, rebates) of $61,714,388. View year-end summary pages.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) reported it had receipts of 2,950,952 and disbursements of $2,520,840 during December, leaving $11,695,899 cash-on-hand on December 31st, and no debts. Charles Schwab (chairman and CEO, Charles Schwab Corp., CA) contributed $33,400 into the general fund.The committee received $278,500 from PACs and other committees, and $532,745 into its new accounts for headquarters and recounts. Charles R. Schwab gave $100,200 to the headquarters account and $66,800 to the recount account. Many of the contributions into those accounts came from hard dollar leadership PACs, or non-party PACs.
For all of 2015, the NRSC had receipts (less operating expense rebates, refunds) of $40,251,890. View year-end summary pages.
These committees do not file electronically.
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New Reports Show Year-End PAC Contributions (Updated)
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1/29/2016
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Here are the PACs of corporations, unions, and associations that have already reported contributing $100,000 or more to federal candidates and committees during December. All PACs must report financial activity through the end of December by the January 31st filing date.
The American Federation of Teachers AFL-COPE, $1,481,000 (includes $1 million to Priorities USA Action and $80K to Hillary Victory Fund).
Engineers Political Education Committee (Int'l. Union of Operating Engineers) $1,244,921 (includes $1 million to Priorities USA Action, and $150K to Hillary Victory Fund).
United Assn. Political Education Committee (Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry) $825,000 (includes $500K to Priorities USA Action and $250K to House Majority PAC).
Service Employees Int'l. Union COPE $676,833 (including $250K to Senate Majority PAC and $183K to America Votes Action Fund).
National Automobile Dealers Assn. PAC $403,000 net (includes $180K to national party committees). Honeywell Int'l. PAC $350,500. UBS Americas Inc PAC $344,500. Int'l Brotherhood of Electrical Workers PAC $337,800. American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees PEOPLE $331,750 (including $158K to Hillary Victory Fund). Laborers' Int'l Union PAC $324,500 (including $161K to Hillary Victory Fund). Lockheed Martin Corporation Employee's PAC $302,000. Int'l. Assn. of Fire Fighters PAC $286,200. UAW Voluntary Community Action Program $280,750 (including $111K to the DCCC, and $109K to the DSCC). Int'l Assn. of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers (IPAL) $254,500. Airline Pilots Assn. PAC $248,500. National Assn. of Broadcasters PAC $232,350. Comcast & NBCUniversal PAC-Federal $228,500. New York Life Insurance Co. PAC $214,000. National Beer Wholesalers Assn. PAC $206,500. United Parcel Service PAC $193,810. BluePAC Blue Cross Blue Shield Assn. $190,500. National Assn. of Convenience Stores PAC $190,000. Google Inc. PAC $185,500. Koch Industries Inc. PAC $181,000. Home Depot Inc. PAC $180,00. National Assn. of Letter Carriers Political Fund $178,500. Sheet Metal Workers Int'l. Assn. Political Action League $177,750. DRIVE Teamsters PAC $172,500. BNSF Railway Co RAILPAC $172,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Federal PAC $168,500. AT&T Inc. Federal PAC $164,500. Microsoft Corp. PAC $158,500. Int'l Union of Bricklayers PAC $157,500. National Assn. of Real Estate Investments Trusts PAC $149,500. General Electric Company PAC $147,500. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. PAC $147,000. Independent Community Bankers PAC $138,500. Build - PAC of the Nat. Assn. of Home Builders $137,500. Dentons US LLP PAC $132,000. American Dental Assn. PAC $130,500. American Bankers Assn. PAC $129,500. National Assn. of Realtors PAC $129,500. American Society of Anesthesiologists PAC $129,000. American Optometric Assn. PAC $128,500. National Mutifamily Housing Council PAC $128,000. Covington & Burling PAC $126,250. United Food & Commercial Workers Active Ballot Club $123,500. Blackrock Capital Management PAC $122,500. American Assn. of Orthopaedic Surgeons $120,050. Raytheon Company PAC $120,000. Carpenters Legislative Improvement Committee $120,000. Capital Group Companies Inc. PAC $117,100. CWA-COPE Political Contributions Com. $115,500. National Apartment Assn. PAC $115,300. Anthem Inc. PAC $114,000. Abbott Laboratories PAC $113,500. Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers PAC $109,000. CULAC PAC of Credit Union National Assn. $109,000. Associated General Contractors of America PAC $106,500. American Hospital Assn. PAC $106,000. Boeing Co. PAC $102,000. Dominion Resources Inc. PAC $101,500. PPL People for Good Government $101,500. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company PAC $100,000. Machinists NonPartisan Political League $100,000.
Updated through 1/31.
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Non-Profit Makes $1 Million Ad Buy Critical of Kasich
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1/29/2016
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A non-profit organization has made a million-dollar independent expenditure on ads opposing presidential candidate John Kasich, Republican Governor of Ohio.
The conservative American Future Fund is a 501c4 'social welfare' non-profit based in Iowa that is not required to make its donors public. The organization filed a one page independent expenditure report last night with the Federal Election Commission.
The organization reported it paid Content Creative Media (OH) $1 million for TV media placement of ads opposing John Kasich. It also paid $8,500 to Outlaw Media LLC (VA) for the TV ad production. The ads were scheduled to run starting January 27th.
View the new ad on the organization's website. |
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FCC Expands Access to Online Public & Political Files Beyond TV Stations
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1/28/2016
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The Federal Communications Commission today adopted rules to require cable operators, satellite television (DBS) providers, and broadcast radio and satellite radio licensees to post their public and political files to the FCC's online public inspection file database.
In 2012, the Commission had adopted online public file rules for major network broadcast television licensees in large markets, and expanded to all television stations in July 2014. The rules adopted today extend the online file to additional entities and include a number of measures to minimize the effort and cost associated with moving the public files online.
The public and political files include candidate requests for political advertising time.
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Volkswagen Pays To Lobby On Emissions Investigation
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1/28/2016
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The Volkswagen Group of America has reported increasing their spending on lobbying the federal government during 2015, including paying a law firm to lobby on the government's emissions investigation.
Volkswagen has admitted that millions of its diesel cars worldwide were fitted with software that altered the results of emissions tests.
The Volkswagen Group of America reported spending $1,370,000 on lobbying the executive and legislative branches of the federal government in 2015, an increase from spending $1,210,000 in 2014. View multi-year chart. Their fourth quarter lobbying report, received last week, showed it lobbied on environmental issues and "communications related to the Federal diesel emissions investigation." It also lobbied to "Support T-TIP, including mutual recognition in regulations with liability protections," as well as on other trade issues. The lobbyist at Volkswagen is Anna-Marie Schneider, Vice President, Industry-Government Relations.
Akin Gump Straus Hauer & Feld reported it received $80,000 from Volkswagen in the fourth quarter, bringing their 2015 lobbying total to $300,000. They lobbied on "Communications related to the federal diesel emissions investigation," and "support BEV and PHEV consumer tax incentives, including infrastructure tax incentives; communications regarding transportation reauthorization bill provision to exclude tire pressure monitoring systems from US market." Lobbyists for Akin Gump include Charlie Johnson, Jeff McMillen, Jamie Tucker, and Chris Treanor.
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Schock's Legal Fees Drive Down Left-Over Campaign Funds
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1/28/2016
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Former Rep. Aaron Schock, R-IL, is quickly burning through his left-over campaign funds to pay mounting legal fees to defend him from allegations of improper reimbursements for car and plane travel and other expenses from official and campaign funds. The scandal pushed him to resign from Congress at the end of March.
The Schock for Congress Committee reported late yesterday afternoon $586,129 in payments for legal fees during the fourth quarter of 2015. The committee paid $500,000 to McGuireWoods LLP on December 30th. The firm also paid $66,158 in legal fees to Berliner Corcoran and Rowe LLP; $16,638 to Berke Farah LLP; and $13,333 to Schertler and Onorato LLP during the fourth quarter. The committee reported no fundraising receipts.The committee reported having $558,509 cash-on-hand as of December 31st.
This brings his 2015 total for legal fees paid to $2,545,615. In addition, his committee report indicated it still owed $746,985 to the Jones Day law firm.
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Big Bucks for Wall Street Lobbying
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1/27/2016
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Wall Street banks and financial institutions are part of Financial/Insurance industry sector that spent $421 million lobbying the federal government during 2015, up from having spent $415 million during 2014.
Here are some of the top Wall Street corporations making expenditures on lobbying the federal executive and legislative branches in 2015.
Wells Fargo & Co. $6,390,000. Citigroup Management Co. $5,250,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. $3,590,000. Goldman Sachs Group $3,680,000. FMR LLC (Fidelity) $3,516,000. HSBC-North America $2,995,000. Charles Schwab Corp. $2,720,000. Bank of America Corp. $2,610,000. CIT Group Inc. $2,560,000. Blackrock Capital Management $2,470,000. Morgan Stanley & Co. $2,450,000. Vanguard Corp. $2,320,000. U.S. Bancorp $1,830,000. Capital Group LP $1,610,000. Credit Suisse Securities $1,250,000. State Street Bank & Trust $1,120,000. BB&T $1,094,000.
Another financial institution is the conglomerate General Electric Company, which spent $20,920,000 lobbying in 2015. Trade associations also lobbied, including the American Bankers Assn. $12,050,000 and the Investment Company Institute $5,513,658.
For a more complete look at the Financial/Insurance industry and the companies that lobbied, use Political MoneyLine's databases of lobby money by Annual Sector Spending. Fourth quarter lobbying reports were due last week. |
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Google Gives to Democratic Attorneys General Assn.
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1/27/2016
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An organization that seeks to elect Democrats to state office, but raises funds nationally, has reported receiving large contributions from companies involved with Internet and communications providers, products and services, some of which come under the jurisdiction of state laws, and some of which are involved with state litigation.
The Democratic Attorneys General Assn. (DAGA), an IRS Section 527 organization, reported last night fourth quarter receipts of $2,831,607 and expenditures of $2,582,404.
Donors included Google Inc., which gave $50K on December 4, 2015, after Democratic AG Jim Hood won re-election in November in Mississippi. DAGA had contributed $780,000 in the fourth quarter to Jim Hood for Attorney General (D-MS), who had been sued by Google Inc. in December 2014 to block a subpoena.
Other donors included the Motion Picture Assn. $55K, 21st Century Fox $25K, Yahoo $50K, Snapchat Inc. $15K, Intuit $30K, Verizon $25K, Dish Network $25K, AT&T $55K, Comcast Financial Agency Corp. $65K, Sprint Nextel $10K, CTIA $25K, and the Recording Industry Assn. of America $25K. Also giving were Altria Client Services $50K, and CVS Pharmacy $50K, among many others.
Law firms also contributed including Bernstein Litowitz Berger Gross (NY) $100K, Labaton Sucharowe LLP $50K, Baron and Budd PC $50K, Blake Tyler (MS) $50K,Venable LLC $25K, Cohen Milstein Hausfeld and Toll PLLC $30K, among others.
The Section 527 organization has also given $452,000 to DAGA Kentucky, as well as $352,000 to Bluegrass Committee for Justice and Fairness (KY). The committee gave $150,000 to Elect Ellen Rosenbaum for AG (OR).
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$3.65 Million in New Ads Bought By Rubio and Christie Super PACs
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1/26/2016
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Super PACs supporting presidential candidates Sen. Marco Rubio, R-FL, and Gov. Chris Christie, R-NJ, reported last night spending over $3.65 million mostly on new media ads to run in New Hampshire.
America Leads, a super PAC supporting Chris Christie, reported spending $1.48 million on TV/cable/digital ads supporting Christie in New Hampshire on January 26th..
Conservative Solutions, a super PAC supporting Sen.Marco Rubio, reported spending $2.17 million. This included $1.54 million on New Hampshire media and online ad buys supporting Rubio and opposing Ted Cru, Jeb Bush, and Hillary Clinton. It also included $357,000 of national media buys supporting Rubio and opposing Cruz, Bush, and Clinton. Also included was $224,944 for media and online ads in South Carolina supporting Rubio. They also paid $405,560 for media/online ads and direct mail supporting Rubio and opposing Cruz in Iowa.
The ads were to start running on January 25th and Jan. 26th.
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Health Care 2015 Lobbying Increases, Energy Drops
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1/26/2016
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Lobbyists and organizations lobbying the federal government spent an average of $270 million a month during 2015.
Overall lobbying expenditures decreased a little last year, but those in the healthcare sector increased their 2015 spending over the previous year. Those sectors seeing decreased spending included Energy; Business retail/services; and Real Estate/Construction, among others.
For the full year, organizations reported spending $3.2 billion, a decrease from the $3.3 billion spent in 2014. View the lobbying sector totals by each year.
Here are the top leading sectors and their spending in 2015:
Health Care $578 million - up from $555 million in 2014. Finance/Insurance $421 million - up for $415 million. Communication/Technology $374 million - down from $376. Energy/Natural Resources $295 million - down from $316 million. Business-Retail/Services $280 million - down from $310 million. Transportation $231 million - up from $224 million. Manufacturing $151 million - down from $160 million. Miscellaneous $136 million - down from $142 million. Agriculture $127 million - up from $126 million. Defense $112 million - down from $120 million. Single Issue Groups $111 million - down from $118 million. Real Estate/Construction $97 million - down from $116 million. City/County $78 million - down from $82 million. Organized Labor $43 million - up from $42 million. Foreign Countries $22 million - up from $21 million. Law $19 million - up from $18 million. State/Territories $10 million - same as 2014. Public Employees $6 million - same as 2014.
Organizations lobbying the federal government reported spending $790 million during the fourth quarter of 2015, an increase from the $774 million spent in the third quarter. The fourth quarter number will increase somewhat as additional filings are received over the next few weeks. During the second quarter, organizations spent $834 million, and in the first quarter, they spent $839 million. View the lobbying totals by each quarter.
Use Political MoneyLine's lobbying databases (see left side menu) to drill down on any industry sector to see the subsectors and the names of specific organizations and their lobbying expenditures.
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Pro-Gun Organizations Spend $10 Million on Lobbying
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1/25/2016
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Major national organizations for gun rights have reported spending over $10 million during this last year lobbying the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. Two top gun control organizations reported spending $1.3 million in 2015.
Here are the new 2015 full-year totals for lobbying, as well as their 4th quarter totals and links to the actual filings showing their topics and bills of interest:
National Shooting Sports Foundation $3,520,000. During the 4th quarter they spent $880,000. National Rifle Assn. $3,085,564. During the 4th quarter they spent $800,324 - the largest amount ever for any quarter. View multi-year chart. National Assn. for Gun Rights $1,630,000. During the 4th quarter they spent $290,000. Gun Owners of America $1,445,344. During the 4th quarter they spent $405,925. Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms $925,294. During the 4th quarter they spent $152,878.
Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund (formerly Mayors Against Illegal Guns Action Fund) $1,130,000. During the 4th quarter they spent $280,000. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence $152,009. During the 4th quarter they spent $45,828.
The above figures are for lobbying and do not include their political action committee activity, communications with their members, state lobbying, independent expenditures, voter registration efforts, and may not include grassroots mobilization activity.
For more on the gun issues in 2016, including impacts on the presidential race, read Kate Ackley's CQ.com January 25th article "Powerful Gun Lobby Faces a Growing Resistance Movement." |
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Court Rules For FEC Regulations on Electioneering Communications
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1/22/2016
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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has reversed a lower court's ruling on disclosure of donors to organizations that buy advocacy ads as electioneering communications.
In 2007, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) adopted a regulation that only required disclosure of specifically earmarked donations for electioneering communications. With this regulation, most organizations, such as non-profit 501c4 advocacy groups and 501c6 business associations, claimed their donors had not specifically designated their donations for electioneering ads, but had simply given to the organization's overall budget. As a result, the organizations have not disclosed their donors to the FEC.
Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-MD, challenged the FEC regulation seeking to require the disclosure of all donors to ad buying organizations. The lower court ruled the FEC regulation was arbitrary, capricious and contrary to law, as well as an unreasonable interpretation of the McCain-Fiengold law.
Thursday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an opinion, judgement, and order in Van Hollen v. FEC (15-5016 & 15-5017). The court reversed the November 2012 decision of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and upheld the Commission's regulation at 11 CFR Section 104.20(c)(9) requiring corporations and labor organizations to disclose only those donations made for the purpose of furthering electioneering communications. |
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Corporation Fined $34,800 For Illegal Campaign Financing
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1/22/2016
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A Nevada corporation has been fined for federal campaign finance violations involving a fundraising event for Sen. Harry Reid.
The Federal Election Commission, Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects Ltd., a Nevada architectural design firm, and J. Windom Kimsey, president, agreed to a civil penalty of $34,800 for illegal use of corporate funds to reimburse employees for contributions, soliciting outside the restricted class, using corporate funds for organizing the event, not making advance payment for other corporate expenses involved in the event, and making a contribution when considered a federal contractor.
The fundraising event for Sen. Harry Reid, D-NV, event took place in February 2009 and raised $20,650. The conciliation agreement was approved in October 2010. No action was taken against the Reid committee. The Matter Under Review (MUR 6215) remained open for undisclosed reasons until the FEC voted to close the file in December 2015. The file was made public on January 14, 2016.
The initial complaint claimed the fundraising event was held in order for the firm to receive a large government contract. The firm received a $8.3 million design contract in July 2009 from the General Services Administration for modernization of the Otay Mesa Land Port of Entry. The FEC did not investigate the issue, but the firm agreed not to contest a violation of 2 U.S.C. Section 441c, prohibiting federal contractors from making contributions.
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O'Malley Campaign To Receive $846K in Federal Funds
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1/21/2016
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The Democratic presidential primary campaign of former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley is getting another $846K from the government's public financing program.
On Wednesday, the Federal Election Commission certified $846,365 in federal matching funds to be given to the primary election campaign of O'Malley. This is in addition to the $100,000 certified for payment in early January.
To become eligible for matching funds, candidates must raise a threshold amount of $100,000 by collecting $5,000 in twenty different states. Although an individual may contribute up to $2,700 to a primary candidate in the current election cycle, only a maximum of $250 per individual is matched with funds from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.
Other requirements to be declared eligible include agreeing to an overall spending limit, abiding by spending limits in each state, using public funds only for legitimate campaign-related expenses, keeping financial records and permitting an audit of campaign financial activity.
O'Malley is the only 2016 presidential primary candidate to seek federal funds.
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PoliticalMoneyLine, FECInfo and Tray.com, help you navigate the topic of money in politics by counting the
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