Government affairs

Most people have a general understanding of how political action committees (PACs) are used. Recently, the Center for Responsive Politics studied the use of independent expenditures (or, more commonly, Super PACs). The results showed many things, and while both political parties are increasing their reliance on Super PACs, Republicans are likelier to rely on a more diverse range of Super PACs than Democrats are. The findings include:

• In 2014, two Super PACs accounted for 43 percent of the total independent expenditures from Democratic-leaning Super PACs.
• For example, Blue Pelican PAC was established to support the 2014 campaign of former Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), but top Senate Democrats expressed a preference that she raise funds through the Senate Majority PAC to give the committee more control of Senate races.
• Due to the diversity of political ideologies among Republicans, the GOP PAC strategy focuses on a larger portfolio of outside groups for independent expenditures.