FPC Weekly Update
 

Dear ,

Blue Arrow RPAC and You

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Open Seat: A race without an incumbent is referred to as an open seat. The incumbent, in politics, is the existing holder of a political office. This term is usually used in reference to elections, in which races can often be defined as being between an incumbent and non-incumbent(s).

Many of you will be meeting with your Member of Congress and Senators in the district over the next several weeks and delivering your RPAC checks. We would like to take a minute to remind you of the importance of this gesture as well as the rules surrounding it.

RPAC (REALTORS® Political Action Committee) serves as a critical FPC resource to support pro-REALTOR® candidates in their election efforts. In the 2012 elections, RPAC was the largest association PAC in the nation, with direct contributions totaling over $4.5 million. RPAC allocates certain funds for FPCs to use each cycle, including “In-State” funds and “Special Recognition Funds.

In-State Funds

    • $1,000 for each FPC for a Congressional two-year election cycle and
    • $2,000 for each FPC for a Senate six-year election cycle.

In-State Funds are funds that can be used to attend in-district receptions or events for Members of Congress to support their re-election efforts. You can contact the campaign for your Member of Congress to find out if there are any upcoming events in your area that you might like to attend. Please remember that RPAC requires all requests to be at least $500, so if there is a $25 barbeque with your member of Congress, consider purchasing a table and inviting other leaders from your association or neighboring associations. You can be listed as a host or perhaps get credit for future event.

In-State Funds must be used by December 31st of the year preceding the election. For example, for the upcoming 2016 cycle all in-state checks should be requested before the end of 2015. Please coordinate with your state association to request checks at least two weeks prior to any event to ensure prompt delivery of RPAC checks.

Special Recognition Funds

Before each election, your state association’s RPAC trustees will meet to consider additional support for your member of Congress based upon their voting record on REALTOR® Party issues. Once the NAR trustees approve your state’s request, your state association will receive a special recognition check for your member’s re-election. Please deliver these funds promptly, preferably within 2 weeks of receipt. All checks MUST be delivered to the campaign before Election Day (primary or general) or they must be voided and cannot be re-cut.

Tips of the Trade
This Week: Do’s and Don’ts of Delivering an RPAC Check

The following tip sheet outlines IMPORTANT rules to remember when delivering your RPAC checks. Do not put yourself at risk or embarrass the lawmaker or his/her staff by forgetting these important guidelines.

DO:

  • Deliver your RPAC check in-person.

  • Meet your Member of Congress at a non-government location like a coffee shop, your office, or their campaign headquarters. NEVER deliver a check at his/her office or on any other government property.

  • Deliver the RPAC check within 15 days of receiving it from NAR.

  • Contact your state association if you cannot deliver the check to the candidate, so another REALTOR® representative may be appointed to deliver it.

  • Praise the Member of Congress for his/her work in the district and for supportive actions he or she has ALREADY taken to further REALTOR® Party issues.

    • It is important to only comment on action they have taken IN THE PAST and not on any legislation currently in play.
    • Even better is to avoid discussing specific legislation at all while presenting a check.

  • Keep close track of all RPAC checks. If for some reason the check is lost, please report it to your NAR Political Representative immediately so that it can be cancelled and re-cut.

 DON’T:

  • Never deliver an RPAC check in a government office OR on government property. It is ILLEGAL! This includes everything from federal office buildings to federal parks and preserves to all other types of federal facilities.

    • Note: Even presenting the check in the parking lot can still be considered government property and it may be unlawful. DO NOT DO IT.
  • Never make any political “ask” of your Member of Congress while presenting your RPAC check.

    • For example, DO NOT say “please vote for this bill.” Again, it is ILLEGAL to solicit a legislative vote in exchange for a contribution.

  • Don’t delay delivering your RPAC check. If the check is not cashed within 60 days, the check will be voided and it will be necessary to obtain a replacement check from RPAC.

  • Don’t deliver an RPAC check after the election-day (primary or general) for which the check is designated. After Election Day RPAC may no longer contribute to a candidate and we miss the opportunity to demonstrate our support.

  • Don’t mail a check unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Please deliver all checks in-person if possible.

Blue Arrow FPC David Maturen wins Race in Michigan-63

Last week, in a close primary race in Southwest Michigan, David Maturen, FPC for Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), edged out Vic Potter and won the Republican nomination for state House in Michigan's 63rd District. Congratulations on an incredible win David! It was one of the most hotly contested Republican primary races in the State. Best of luck in November!

Blue Arrow August Recess Advocacy Talking Points

As you continue to meet with your Members of Congress and Senators during this “District Work Period,” please remember the following NAR talking points.

You can find the Talking points here:

REAUTHORIZE THE TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE ACT

PRESERVE REAL ESTATE-RELATED TAX POLICIES. 

Please ask lawmakers to act quickly to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) of 2002. On tax issues please ask lawmakers to Co-Sponsor H.R 2994 (House) or S. 1187 (Senate) and for them to ask Congressional Leaders to move the bill quickly to reinstate the provision that waives income tax on mortgage debt forgiven (“phantom income”) in a short sale or a workout for principal residences.   Congress must act on these issues to avoid destabilizing families, neighborhoods and communities. 

As always, thank you for your commitment to the program and the time you invest with our federal elected officials.

If you have any questions you can contact Victoria Givens at vgivens@realtors.org or your NAR Political Field Representative:

April Brown (202) 383-1073 abrown@realtors.org
States: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina,
Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, US Virgin Islands

Shannon Burke (202) 383-1009   sburke@realtors.org
States:  Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana,Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Virginia, West Virginia

Karl Eckhart (202) 383-1086 keckhart@realtors.org 
States: Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New York,North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming

Chris Gosselin (202) 383-7516 cgosselin@realtors.org  
States: Alaska, American Samoa, California, Connecticut, Guam,Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Nevada,Northern Mariana Islands, Rhode Island, Vermont

Scott Reiter (202) 383-1072 sreiter@realtors.org
States: DC, Delaware, Maryland

Lindsay Shuba (202) 383-1268 lshuba@realtors.org
States: Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico,
Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wisconsin

For the latest REALTOR® Party news check out the REALTOR® Action Center at www.realtoractioncenter.com.

 
 
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