Comments on: Essential RPAC, for those who need to know (Read: YOU)

By: Meredith Cox

Meredith Cox — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:55:25 +0000

As the RPAC administrator at VAR, I whole-heartedly agree with Scott’s comments, but I also appreciate the replies to this and the previous RPAC-related post. Having been immersed in an RPAC world for the past 3+ years, it is hard for me to think of a way to communicate to an audience who may not have the history I’ve had with it. I think most of us agree that RPAC is worthwhile and necessary, but the next step is addressing why. Thank you for asking some specific questions that will help us know how to answer why it is so important. (That said, should you have further questions or comments, please email me–meredith@varealtor.com–I would love to hear them). One last thing, we do offer a place to invest in RPAC online: http://www.varealtor.com/LegislativeAffairs/RPAC/ContributeToday/OnlineContributionForm/tabid/489/Default.aspx

By: Bryan Penman

Bryan Penman — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:19:16 +0000

Scott, as a reluctant step into this conversation about RPAC - I would like to voice the concern that I think Frank stumbled into without realizing the connection. It has to do with Marketing and much like Seth’s Godin’s message I think we should try to advertise more about what RPAC is doing and how it functions. I know as a Gen Y who personally always asks why we do anything; RPAC has been something that I have had to search out / research by asking our RPAC trustee’s and see how essential RPAC is to our business. I know when I am faced with new members in our local association we tend to throw RPAC around like it is an “in” word and don’t take the time to explain what RPAC is and how vital it is to the success of our industry. I guess I am trying to just voice that I have seen how creative and amazing many of the other marketing plans VAR puts together for things and would like to see a more substantial RPAC explanation: not that I don’t love the musical Chicago…. I personally like the VAR Leadership Academy video and think that is a HUGE step in the right direction…

By: Ben Martin

Ben Martin — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:15:15 +0000

In a convenient twist, social media is a lot like a PAC. Most people can’t draw a straight line between a blog and a business deal. But they’ll acknowledge that there is a connection. Similarly, you can’t draw a straight line between a PAC and a particular vote, but there is a connection.

This is an oversimplification, but our political efforts are like a three-legged stool: For it to be effective we need: 1) REALTORS involved in the political process [i.e. be aware of issues, vote, communicate with their legislators, etc.] 2) Professional lobbyists to work on the inside and 3) A well-funded PAC to help the REALTOR message stand out in the crowd. If any of the three is weak, the stool falls over.

By: Daniel Rothamel, the Real Estate Zebra

Daniel Rothamel, the Real Estate Zebra — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:24:02 +0000

Now THIS is a great post. This is the type of information that Realtors need in order to make informed decisions as to whether or not they wish to donate to RPAC.

Dan’s point about mixing the message is a great one. If the PAC isn’t lobbying, then why claim the legislative victories? I mean, I understand WHY they do it, but I do think that it could be easily misinterpreted as to HOW they are achieving such victories.

This discussion about RPAC is an important one for members and for RPAC. Perhaps a voice from someone within RPAC or someone within VAR who is an RPAC trustee would make a good voice for VARBuzz. . .

Oh, and since we are talking about elections and nominations– remeber to vote early, vote often, and vote Zebra in the VARBuzz Blog Brawl. (This message approved by Zebra for Blog Brawl Champion 2008)

;-)

By: Ben Martin

Ben Martin — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:28:16 +0000

Awesome feedback, Dan. To answer your question about why not contribute directly to the VAR and allow the organization to parse donations directly to issues… On the federal level, it’s illegal. Corporations cannot make political contributions. There are business advantages to collecting and paying money out of a PAC as well, such as favorable tax laws.

By: Scott Brunner

Scott Brunner — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:04:52 +0000

Good points Dan, though given some of the comments on Frank’s post, I question whether most “get” PACs, particularly RPAC. I had tried to assert above that VAR lobbies, but that our strength and effectiveness are undergirded by RPAC. I don’t disagree that we (often) muddle that message. Will get you info on the % of overhead, etc., when I get to the office next week. Thanks for the perspective.

By: Dan Nesemeier

Dan Nesemeier — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:41:20 +0000

I think most of us understand the premise of PACs. It’s good to read of the general distribution of contributions. The actual premise is why contribute at all?

The RPAC message is inconsistent. Since RPAC only contributes to candidates and not elected officials what is their purpose other than being a layer of political bureaucracy to get at the real lobby? Why not contribute directly to the VAR and parse donations directly to issues?

To answer the rhetorical questions in the last paragraph of your article, I have to ask another question: Where is RPAC? The video alludes to many, many legislative defeats but they only contribute to candidates.

So, are they lobbyists or not? There cannot continue to be a mixed messages. Let’s call them what they are, change RPAC advertising to reflect precisely what they do, and then let Realtors decide whether or not they should contribute. Show me. Break down, by candidate who was ultimately elected into office, the real estate related votes that helped defeat issues that are important to Realtors. I’d also like to see the percentage of adminstrative overhead from contributions that feeds the machine.