As the 2020 election season heats up, political action committees (PACs) are once again in the spotlight. These organizations, which raise and spend money to support or oppose political candidates, have become a major player in campaigns across the country. But what is their role in campaigns specifically in central Kentucky?
The Emergence of PACs
PACs first emerged in the 1940s as a way for labor unions and corporations to pool their resources and support candidates who aligned with their interests. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that PACs really took off, thanks to a series of court decisions that loosened restrictions on campaign finance. Today, there are two types of PACs: traditional PACs and super PACs.Traditional PACs are limited in how much money they can raise and donate to candidates, while super PACs can raise unlimited amounts of money but cannot directly contribute to a candidate's campaign. Both types of PACs must disclose their donors and spending to the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
The Role of PACs in Central Kentucky Campaigns
In central Kentucky, PACs have become a major force in local and state elections. According to data from the FEC, over $10 million was spent by PACs in Kentucky during the 2018 election cycle. One of the main ways that PACs influence campaigns is through independent expenditures. These are funds spent by a PAC on advertisements or other campaign materials that are not coordinated with a candidate's campaign.In central Kentucky, we have seen an increase in independent expenditures by PACs in recent years. For example, during the 2018 election cycle, the Kentucky Opportunity Coalition, a super PAC, spent over $1 million on independent expenditures in support of Republican candidates in central Kentucky. This included funding for TV and radio ads, mailers, and digital ads. Another way that PACs impact campaigns is through direct contributions to candidates. While traditional PACs are limited in how much they can donate, they can still play a significant role in local races where every dollar counts. In central Kentucky, we have seen traditional PACs donate to candidates from both parties in races for state legislature and local offices.
The Influence of PACs on Campaign Messaging
In addition to their financial impact, PACs also have a significant influence on campaign messaging.Because they are not directly affiliated with a candidate's campaign, PACs can run attack ads or promote certain issues without the candidate having to take responsibility for them. This can be seen in the 2018 race for Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, where the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with House Republicans, ran ads attacking Democratic candidate Amy McGrath. These ads focused on her stance on issues such as immigration and healthcare, rather than her opponent's record. PACs also have the ability to shape the narrative of a campaign by choosing which issues to focus on. For example, if a PAC is primarily funded by healthcare companies, they may choose to run ads highlighting a candidate's support for universal healthcare or their opposition to Medicare for All.
The Controversy Surrounding PACs
While PACs have become a major player in campaigns in central Kentucky and beyond, they are not without controversy. Many argue that the influx of money from PACs has led to an increase in negative campaigning and has given wealthy donors an outsized influence on elections. There are also concerns about the lack of transparency in PAC spending.While PACs are required to disclose their donors and expenditures to the FEC, there are loopholes that allow them to hide the true source of their funding. For example, a super PAC can receive money from a non-profit organization, which is not required to disclose its donors, and then use that money for political purposes. Additionally, some argue that the rise of PACs has led to a decrease in accountability for candidates. Because PACs can run attack ads without the candidate's approval, candidates may not feel as responsible for the negative tone of their campaigns.
The Future of PACs in Central Kentucky Campaigns
As we head into the 2020 election season, it is clear that PACs will continue to play a significant role in campaigns in central Kentucky. With the rise of super PACs and the loosening of campaign finance restrictions, we can expect to see even more money pouring into local and state races. However, there are also efforts underway to reform campaign finance laws and limit the influence of PACs.Some states have passed laws requiring more transparency from PACs, while others have placed limits on how much money individuals can donate to these organizations. Ultimately, the role of PACs in campaigns in central Kentucky will continue to be a topic of debate and discussion. As voters, it is important for us to educate ourselves on where candidates are receiving their funding and how that may influence their policies and messaging.
