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-PartisanPro-BusinessTransparentDriven by Public Policy AgendaLocal, State and Federal Government Game Changing

7. Why additional political engagement? Struggling Economy Demands Pro-Business PoliciesState Capitol Location Columbus 2020 Empowers Chamber’s Political/Policy Role 16 New to Ohio House in 2011-12 Term Limits OpportunityLeverage Influence of the Ohio Congressional DelegationBusiness 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 Scorecard 2013 Phase I Candidate Endorsement 2013/2014 Phase II Political Contributions TBD Phase III

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