2. The Longview Chamber Political Engagement “How to Apply Our Voice” Political Strategy Subcommittee Report to the Longview Chamber Board October 25, 2012

3. American Chamber of Commerce Executive’s active survey

7. Many seek access to decision makers Current landscape Other business organizations (TAB, realtors, home builders, etc.) Labor organizations Trial bar Tools used to influence: Lobbyists Grassroots organizations Political Action Committees Top sources of influence 1.People 2.Money 3.Lobbyists 4.Grassroots * Showalter Group study

8. What’s Happening In Texas? *source Texas for Public Justice

10. The Longview Chamber Political Engagement Current Role:  Public Policy Statements  Legislative Trips to Austin/DC  Luncheons  Elected Officials Reception  www.longviewvotes.com www.longviewvotes.com

11. 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

12. The Longview Chamber Political Engagement Principles

13. Proposed PAC structure Chamber Board of Directors Business Advocacy Council Political Involvement PAC PAC Board

14. 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

15. Why additional political engagement? Struggling Economy Demands Pro-Business PoliciesState Capitol LocationEmpowers Chamber’s Political/Policy RoleLeverage InfluenceBusiness Policy Opponents Play in Politics

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

17. The Longview Chamber Political Engagement Phase 1: Education Scorecard  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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

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

27. 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

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

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

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

31. Q & A