1. WHAT IS RPAC?
It's the REALTORS Political Action Committee. Its goal is to organize the members of our organization as a concerned, involved political action constituency. RPAC raises voluntary funds from members for use in making contributions to political candidates at the federal, state and local levels.
2. I ALREADY CONTRIBUTE TO THE CANDIDATE OF MY CHOICE. WHY DO I NEED RPAC?
You should contribute to the candidates and party of your choice. However, RPAC provides you the additional opportunity to have a statewide and nationwide impact on the election of candidates who will shape legislation that affects our lives and the way real estate professionals conduct business all across the country. It is a collective voice of our industry.
3. WHY DOES RPAC NEED ME?
RPAC means working together. While historically, only about 15-18 % of all members contribute to RPAC, in 1995, 28% contributed, in 1996 29% contributed and in 1997 about 30% contributed. We've made some improvement, however, that still means that more than 65-70% of our members are counting on others to carry the whole load. If every member does his or her share, REALTORS everywhere will benefit.
4. WHO DECIDED WHICH CANDIDATES RPAC SUPPORTS?
FAR RPAC Trustees make this determination for state legislative candidates. At the state level, there are twelve Trustees appointed by the FAR President. The Trustees count on the input from local Boards to help them make the contribution decision. Local Boards make all decisions regarding candidates at the local levels. For US Congressman and Senators, the decisions are made by the NAR RPAC Trustees, based upon recommendations from the local boards and the state.
5. DOES RPAC SUPPORT DEMOCRATS OR REPUBLICANS?
Both. RPAC is nonpartisan in its selection of candidates. The voting record, the candidates' agenda and quality of each candidate, plus the recommendation of Local Boards, determine who gets RPAC support.
6. IS RPAC LEGAL?
Yes!! RPAC has been in existence since 1969, and is in full compliance with the law. PAC's have been authorized by congressional acts and state election laws. You can't get much more legal than that.
7. ARE RPAC RECORDS CONFIDENTIAL?
There's nothing secret about RPAC. Accurate records are kept and reports are filed of all contributions.
8. DOES RPAC "BUY" VOTES?
But votes? NO! Make no mistake, most candidates and officeholders are honorable people
whose votes are not for sale. RPAC contributes to candidates who are knowledgeable and
fair, and who will at least listen to the REALTORS point of view.