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 Top sources of influence People Money Lobbyists Grassroots *Showalter Group study Tools used to influence: Lobbyists Grassroots organizations Political Action Committees

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 Business Advocacy Council Political Involvement Chamber PAC Board of Directors PAC Board Business Advocacy Council Political Involvement

What Would Our Goals Look Like Hire a full time person who focus’s on advocacy Implement an aggressive Chamber Public Policy Agenda Position Chamber with Local, State and Federal Policymakers

Why additional political engagement? Struggling Economy Demands Pro-Business Policies State Capitol Location Empowers Chamber’s Political/Policy Role Leverage Influence Business Policy Opponents Play in Politics

Growing Our Political Engagement Three Phases Education Candidate Endorsement Political Contributions

Scorecard The Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 1: Education 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

Scorecard Pro’s Scorecard Con’s Elected Official Accountability Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 1: Education Scorecard Pro’s Elected Official Accountability Creates Leverage for Chamber Member Service Especially for Small Business Rewards Business Supporters Scorecard Con’s System Demands Consistent Policy Fair Notice Required No Perfect Scorecard Challenge of Measuring Inaction

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 Candidate Endorsement Pro’s Public Stamp of Approval for Candidate Elected Official Accountability Creates Leverage for Chamber Issues Member Service Especially for Small Business Rewards Business Supporters Candidate Endorsement Con’s Higher Risk than Scorecard Potential for Chamber Member Alienation Potential to Harm Relationships with Elected Officials

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

Unlimited Corporate Contributions No Coordination with Campaigns Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 3: Political Contributions Option A: Independent Expenditure Support Super PACS Unlimited Corporate Contributions No Coordination with Campaigns Direct Election Advocacy Issue/Candidate Support

Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 3: Political Contributions Option A: Independent Expenditure Independent Expenditure Pro’s Corporate Contributions Larger Direct Advocacy Campaigns Rapid Response Elected Official Accountability Creates Substantial Leverage for Chamber Reward Business Supporters Independent Expenditure Con’s High Reward = High Risk Chamber Spotlight as a Political Entity Potential Member Alienation High Administrative Costs

Personal Contributions Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 3: Political Contributions Option B: Traditional Candidate PAC Personal Contributions Expenditures Directly to Candidates/Campaign Committees Result of Endorsements or Role of Policy Maker

Traditional Candidate PAC Pro’s Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 3: Political Contributions Option B: Traditional Candidate PAC Traditional Candidate PAC Pro’s Personal Candidate Connection Creates Substantial Leverage for Chamber Simplifies Chamber Staff Member Participation at Candidate Events Simplifies Lobbying of Policy Makers Outside of Texas Traditional Candidate PAC Con’s Personal Contribution Requirement limits Fundraising Ability High Administrative Costs Potential for Chamber Member Alienation Potential to Harm Relationships with Elected Officials

Corporate Contributions Independent Expenditure Campaign Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 3: Political Contributions Option 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 Ballot Issue PAC Pro’s Business Support or Opposition for Tax Levy’s, Bond, Referendum, Initiative and Constitutional Amendment Campaigns Tool to By-Pass Legislative Process Least Controversial - Historical Precedence Ballot Issue PAC Con’s No Role for Candidate Support Administrative Costs Other means to Accomplish Objective Potential Chamber Member Alienation

A Start Not A Conclusion Scorecard 2013 Phase I Candidate Endorsement 2013/2014 Phase II Political Contributions TBD Phase III

Next Steps for Discussion Recommended Chamber Political Engagement Strategy Longview Chamber Board Discussion & Approval Planning for Approval of Phases

Political Engagement Subcommittee Conclusions Task force appointed to pursue possible Implementation Further Research

Q & A