RPAC / GARPAC
Political Action Committees
What is RPAC?
PACs have been around since 1944, when the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) formed the first one to raise money for the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. A Political Action Committee (PAC) is a popular term for a political committee organized by like-minded people for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates. The PAC’s money must come from voluntary contributions from members rather than the member’s dues treasury. PACs represent business, labor or ideological interests. PACs can give $5,000 to a candidate committee per election (primary, general, run-off or special). They can also give up to $15,000 annually to any national party committee, and $5,000 annually to any other PAC. PACs may receive up to $5,000 from any one individual.
Why should I contribute to RPAC?
RPAC is the muscle behind NAR, GAR and your local association. By pooling the resources of over 400,000 politically active REALTORS® nationwide, RPAC allows REALTORS® to maximize their impact on public policy by working to elect pro-REALTOR® candidates. Recent legislative and regulatory successes include:
The continued preservation of the mortgage interest deduction.
Tax relief benefiting the real estate industry.
Prohibiting banks from engaging in real estate brokerage activities.
Eliminating burdensome regulations inhibiting environmental quality and healthy real estate markets.
Passing the $8,000 federal first-time homebuyer and $1,800 state homebuyer tax credits.
Protecting property rights in Georgia by passing the strongest eminent domain legislation in the nation.
Defeating a 100% increase in the real estate transfer tax.
How will my contribution be used?
100% of your contribution is used to elect pro-REALTOR® candidates: 70% remains in the state to be used in state and local elections. 30% of your contribution will be forwarded to National RPAC to fund key U.S. House and Senate races. Until your state PAC reaches its RPAC goal 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; after the state PAC reaches its RPAC goal it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates. RPAC is neither a Republican nor a Democratic organization. Your contribution to RPAC is a vote for a pro-REALTOR® Congress, regardless of political party.
If you would like to contribute, please complete the RPAC Contribution Form, and email to janet@namar.org or fax to (678) 336-1952.
GARPAC
GARPAC contributions are voluntary and are used for political purposes. Contributions are not deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes. The Association will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount of their contribution, and you may refuse to contribute without reprisal by the Association. Seventy percent of each contribution is split between Georgia RPAC to support state and local political candidates and Georgia RIAC for issues mobilization and education. Thirty percent is sent to National RPAC to support Federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a.
How does your business benefit from GARPAC?
Your support of GARPAC is your opportunity to help elect and support pro-REALTOR® candidates who understand what will keep your business going strong. You are not only protecting your business against burdensome new regulations and fees, but you are also electing leaders who will protect private property rights.
As you know, GARPAC is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from members like you. These resources are directed by members like you as well.
GARPAC is not partisan; rather, it supports “REALTOR® Party” candidates. These are leaders who understand the issues that are important to your business and the critical role real estate plays in moving our economy forward.
I think you’ll agree that investing in GARPAC may be the best investment you can make in your business this year.
Your Investment in RPAC
1. Protects property rights and the business of real estate.
2. Educates leaders on REALTOR® issues.
3. Helps elect REALTOR® Party candidates.
Calls For Action
Calls-for-Action (CFA) are an essential advocacy tool used to ensure the REALTOR® voice is heard at the state and federal level.