1 ACC PAC March 2009

2 Advancing Quality Cardiovascular Care through… Science Education Advocacy

3 The Path to Power Cardiologists must work together to fulfill the advocacy component of ACC’s mission: Combining voices to impact the political process Combining resources to send a powerful message to Congress Combining power to preserve healthcare

4 ACC PAC Mission Contribute to the campaigns of those Members of Congress who support the College’s legislative agenda Gain BETTER access to high profile legislators, especially committee chairs and leadership Build grassroots and fundraising potential to bring about election results favorable to our advocacy goals

5 ACC PAC Criteria for Political Contributions The PAC Board considers the following criteria in determining political disbursements: 1. Leadership position 2. Committee assignment 3. Past voting record on OUR issues 4. Medical profession: MD, DO, etc. 5. Personal relationship with ACC member 6. Likelihood to win – polls, district

6 ACC PAC : Disbursements to Candidates in the 2006 Election Cycle (2005 and 2006) Contributions made to 120 candidates, leadership PACs and party committees Total of $441,100 disbursed 74% given to Republicans 26% given to Democrats

7 ACC PAC: Disbursements to Candidates in the 2008 Election Cycle (2007 and 2008) Contributions made to over 250 candidates, leadership PACs and party committees Total of $997,289 disbursed 56% given to Democrats 44% given to Republicans Our influence is growing, but our competitors are still giving more

8 Why Contribute to ACC PAC? 100% of your personal contributions are used to support the election of pro-physician candidates to Congress Currently, only 7% of our members contribute to ACC PAC Other specialty groups have better-funded PACs, giving them an advantage at the decision making table: more funds = greater access

9 Where do we stand? PAC Receipts 2008 Cycle

10 Service Employees International Union$45,350,942 American Association for Justice (trial lawyers)$6,265,740 American Hospital Association$3,596,575 American Medical Association$3,263,871 American Society of Anesthesiologists$3,120,319 American Dental Association$2,453,054 American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons$2,372,846 American College of Radiology$1,702,359 American Academy of Ophthalmology$1,697,897 American College of Emergency Physicians$1,683,776 Wellpoint, Inc.$1,363,273 College of American Pathologists$1,076,533 American College of Surgeons Professional Association$1,064,574 UnitedHealth Group$1,047,082 American Academy of Family Physicians$788,710 American College of Cardiology$786,074 America’s Health Insurance Plans$550,410 American Psychiatric Association$540,532 American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology$522,786

11 Giving to ACC PAC Only U.S. members can donate to the PAC Need personal funds, not corporate- only personal contributions can be used for political giving ACC PAC can solicit from over 25,000 Members –In 2005, ACC PAC raised $625,726 1,541 Contributors –In 2006, ACC PAC raised $522,628 1,200 Contributors –In 2007, ACC PAC raised $607,135 1,731 Contributors –In 2008, ACC PAC raised $646,602 1,862 Contributors

12 ACC PAC: Financial Overview 2008 Election Cycle: $1,253,737 raised in 2007 and 2008 (includes both “hard” and “soft” receipts) 2,707 individuals contributed Average per contributor = $463

13 ACC PAC Goals : 2009 $1000 from 1000 Campaign 100% BOT Participation 100% BOG Participation Improve hard dollar ratio (36% of 2008 contributions were soft dollars) Increase number of contributors (1,862 in 2008)

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15 ACC PAC 2009: BOT & BOG Giving 95 members total 36 have given in % participation 30 have joined $1000 from 1000 Campaign

16 ACC PAC 2009: PAC Board Giving 14 members total (2 more to be added) 10 have given in % participation 10 have joined $1000 from 1000 Campaign 3 max donors (Alexander, Walpole, Sherman)

17 For more information… Please visit:

18 For more information… Or contact: Nick Morse Associate Director, Political & Legislative Affairs