MCAA to Host Political Action Committee Reception at Convention

By Marian J. Marshall

During the convention, MCAA will hold its annual PAC Reception. It will be held Thursday, April 21 at the Fairmont Hotel in the Regent Room from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

This year, we will be doing something different at the reception. In lieu of simply asking for contributions to the PAC (which require a personal check), we will be seeking donations for our new PAC Administrative Account - known as the Political Education Fund. Contributions to this fund can be made with a ?corporate? check because the funds are not used to actually support campaigns of pro-business candidates. Instead, the funds are used primarily to cover costs of my travel to attend PAC events, pay for candidate surveys to see how their views and/or voting records match up to our positions on key issues, pay for get-out-the-vote efforts in election years and general administrative costs to cover other PAC expenses. For instance, in September, MCAA will co-host a fundraiser for Senator Jim Talent (R-Missouri) in St. Louis. The Political Education Fund dollars can be used to pay my expenses to travel to the State for the event.

Of course, we always appreciate your support of the PAC and welcome a contribution to that account as well. There are a great many candidates we are supporting in the 2006 election cycle and because campaigns are getting to be so expensive and more and more competitive, candidates begin their fundraising efforts earlier and earlier each cycle. Our funds are getting low already because several candidates have asked for our support in order to make their first quarter filings with the Federal Election Commission look rather imposing and intimidating for potential opponents.

In any event, I would greatly appreciate it if you'd make an effort to come to this PAC event on Thursday, April 21. I am making every effort to get a guest speaker for the event.

The cost of attendance is $125. Beyond that fee, if you only contribute $50 or $100 to the Political Education Fund or the PAC, remember that every dollar - and every vote -- counts. We have so many issues which we are actively involved in - silica, hexavalent chromium, Social Security, Immigration, Asbestos legislation, tort reform, class action reform, tax reform, elimination of the death tax, OSHA reform legislation, Association Health Plan legislation - and the list goes on. In order to articulate and advance our agenda, we need the support of you - the members - and it certainly makes my job so much easier when members are involved and engaged in the issues - issues which directly impact your business.

Thanks so much for any support you are willing to lend to our Government Affairs and Political Action Committee efforts. If you are not going to be at the convention, I'd be grateful if you could send in a contribution to our headquarters in Chicago: 33 South Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193. If you contribute to the Political Education Fund, corporate checks should be made payable to: MCAA Political Education Fund.

Should you also decide to contribute to the Political Action Committee, please make your PERSONAL check payable to MACPAC.

Many thanks for your consideration. I look forward to seeing you soon.