1. Interest Groups in the 2008 election Digital Politics by Liza Bruno

4. What is an interest group? A politically active group in the United States seeking policy change

5. The U.S. Constitution 1 st Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

6. Influence of Interest Groups 1) Financial Resources 2) Managerial and political skills of leaders 3) Size and cohesiveness of membership 4) Timing 5) Motivation of cause “interest group." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 19 Oct. 2008.http://search.eb.com/eb/article-257769

7. About.com: U.S. Government Info “Pick an issue. Pick an opinion. Congratulations! There's an online organization that agrees with you.” There is an interest group for virtually every issue…

8. Examples of Established Interest Groups: Teachers (NEA) Labor unions (AFL) Lawyers (ABA) Doctors (AMA) Home owners Investment brokers Farmers (AFB) Gun owners (NRA) Veterans (VFW) Auto manufacturers (Big 3) Pro Israel (AIPAC) Civil rights defenders (ACLU) Environment (League of Conservation Voters) Business (Chamber of Commerce)

9. Who lobbies for you and me? -PUBLIC CITIZEN -Founded by Ralph Nadar in 1971 as an organization dedicated to protecting health, safety and democracy -“The group continues to fight for average citizens whose voices are muted by the monied special interestes.” – John McCain http://www.citizen.org/ -COMMON CAUSE -Founded in 1970 by John Gardner as a vehicle for citizens to make their voices heard in the political process and to hold their elected leaders accountable to the public interest. -“When the little guy wins, it’s likely that Common Cause had something to do with the victory. It’s good to know that the people can make a difference” -St. Petersburg Times http://www.commoncause.org

10. -Interest Groups are a major factor in fundraising for presidential, congressional, senatorial and local campaigns. - PACs vs. 527s PACs: work to advance a candidate. Distribute money to candidates and political parties based on interest. A PAC raises money and distributes it to candidates and political parties that support its cause. 527s: work to advance a cause and advocate for issues. Cannot coordinate expenditures with a candidate. Not responsible to report to the FEC (Federal Election Commission). Election 2008

11. BARACK OBAMA Summary of Money Raised: http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/summar y.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638 15 Summary of Independent Expenditures: http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/indexp_i ndiv.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638

12. JOHN MCCAIN Summary of Money Raised http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/summar y.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00006424 Summary of Independent Expenditures http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/indexp_i ndiv.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00006424

13. Founded in 1998 3.3 million members Federal PAC Average Americans fighting for progressive politics Powerful email listserve: “Dear MoveOn member, For weeks, John McCain has run one of the most dishonest campaigns in American history. Even Karl Rove had to admit McCain has gone too far. 1 Now it's time to strike back—to refocus voters on what we'll get if we elect McCain president. So today, we're launching a new ad that uses the facts to hit John McCain hard— reminding voters of his numerous ties to big oil companies and their lobbyists. This is one of the top issues for swing voters—and the ad makes McCain's record clear. But we can only get it on the air if enough of us chip in. Can you check it out, and chip in if you can?” Endorses: Barack Obama http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObOpIQksI0k&feature=user

14. NRA- Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) Established in 1975 as the “lobbying” arm of the National Rifle Association Support by NRA’s 4 million members Defends 2 nd amendment rights and educates public about gun safety Website created by NRA- Gunbanobama.com Former Clinton spokesman George Stephanopoulos said, "Let me make one small vote for the NRA. They're good citizens. They call their Congressmen. They write. They vote. They contribute. And they get what they want over time." Endorses: John McCain http://www.gunbanobama.com/default.aspx?NavGuid=5b2961fd-7987-4cbf-9555-388b8fe4fb8c&ID=1360723&ArchiveGuid=430d7335- d158-44f5-aab6-bb7d1226f3fa&title=%22Words%22%20-%20Obama%20TV%20Ad

15. Other Interest Group Advertisements National Right to Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h80mSgsQ6CU Moveon.org http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BncNpB6IZ9I Our Country Deserves Better PAC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgpsmf7YCLM&feature=related Planned Parenthood http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqnmXSXtDkQ

16. Helping or Hurting? Pros: 1) With numbers there are strength 2) Allows you to petition your government with a louder voice 3) More money, more attention, more services, more protection to the interest Cons: 1) Group may overwhelm and outbalance the public interest ex. NRA vs. National Association of Chiefs of Police 2) Powerful “Interests” may distract government from more important and often neglected issues

17. Interest Groups: Good or Bad? YOU DECIDE!

18. In conclusion, to get in the mood… “its time for some campaignin’ http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables/1191/t ime_for_some_campaignin#/teaser/1191