1. Columbus Chamber Political Engagement
Political Strategy Subcommittee Report to the GASC

2. Political Engagement Subcommittee Dave Robinson, Committee Chair Barbara Benham Bill Byers Dan Helmick Dave Leland Chris Pugliese Bob Roach Elise Spriggs Doug Talbott Steve Tugend Buzz Trafford Nathan Wymer Legal Counsel: Victor Ferguson & Dave Hoeffel, Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease Chamber Staff: Michael Hartley, Kristen Easterday, Kate Neithammer, Nicole Piscitani

3. Columbus Chamber Political Engagement
GASC Process
Goals
Principles
Why
How
A Start

4. GASC Process Bi-Partisan Committee Best Practices & Legal Research
Four Two Hour Meetings
Consensus & Recommendation

5. Columbus Chamber GASC Goals
Improve Central Ohio Economy
Implement Chamber Public Policy Agenda
Position Chamber with Local, State and Federal Policymakers

6. Columbus Chamber Political Engagement Principles Bi-Partisan
Pro-Business
Transparent
Driven by Public Policy Agenda
Local, State and Federal Government
Game Changing

7. Why additional political engagement?
Struggling Economy Demands Pro-Business Policies
State Capitol Location
Columbus 2020 Empowers Chamber’s Political/Policy Role
Term Limits Opportunity
16 New to Ohio House in
Leverage Influence of the Ohio Congressional Delegation
Business Policy Opponents Play in Politics

8. Growing Our Political Engagement
Three Phases
Education
Candidate Endorsement
Political Contributions

9. Columbus Chamber Political Engagement Phase 1: Education
Scorecard
Local, State and Federal Policy Makers
Columbus Chamber Public Policy Agenda Issues
Notified a vote will count on Columbus Chamber Scorecard
Scorecard Published & Distributed to Columbus Chamber Members Prior to Election

10. Columbus 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

11. Columbus Chamber Political Engagement Phase 2: Candidate Endorsement
Confidential Candidate Interview
Questions on Chamber Public Policy Agenda
Identify Candidates Who Support Business
Local (Franklin County and City of Columbus), 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

12. Columbus 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

13. Columbus Chamber Political Engagement Phase 3: Political Contributions Option A: Independent Expenditure
Super PAC
Unlimited Corporate Contributions
No Coordination with Campaigns
Direct Election Advocacy
573 Super PACs raised $218,220,946 and spent $115,337,051 so far in 2012 Election
Goal of $250,000 to $1,000,000

14. Columbus 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

15. Columbus 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
Goal of $100,000-$250,000

16. Columbus 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 Central Ohio
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

17. Columbus Chamber Political Engagement Phase 3: Political Contributions Option C: Ballot Issue PAC
Corporate Contributions
Independent Expenditure Campaign
Issues Not Candidates

18. Columbus 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

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

20. Political Engagement Subcommittee Conclusions
Possible Implementation of Phases 1 and 2
Further Research on Phase 3

21. Next Steps for Discussion
GASC Recommended Chamber Political Engagement Strategy
Columbus Chamber Board Discussion & Approval
Planning for Approval of Phases

22. Appendix
Metro Chambers Comparison
Best Practices
Legal Guidance