AGC PAC

Facts & FAQs

What Is AGC PAC and What Does It Do?
It's the Political Action Committee for AGC, collecting voluntary contributions from concerned contractors, for use in making political contributions to candidates for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.

Why Does the Construction Industry Need A PAC?
Congressional actions have a major impact on the construction business. It is important to elect members of Congress who are willing to listen objectively to our concerns, understand them and act accordingly. Our opponents on important business issues are powerful. They are spending big money to elect candidates who do not share our values and concerns and will fight our efforts to protect the construction industry.

Why Does AGC PAC Need Me?
Because everyone must share the load. National issues that affect one contractor, affect all.

Is It Legal?
Yes. AGC PAC is registered with the Federal Election Commission and files monthly reports of all receipts and candidate contributions. These reports become part of the public record at the FEC and are available for inspection.

Isn't This Merely Buying Politicians' Votes?
Absolutely not! Most candidates and officeholders are honorable people whose votes are not for sale. If they are going to be in a position to listen to our concerns, however, they must first get elected, and that is an expensive process. Those who receive AGC PAC contributions are made aware that the contribution is from a constituent group of contractors and their associates - constituents who recognize their common interest in many public policy issues that affect their lives.

Why Should I Contribute To AGC PAC When I Already Support Local Candidates Closer To Home?
Continue to support your local candidates - it's also important. However, Congressional actions at the Federal level have a direct impact on you and your business. AGC PAC gives you an opportunity to have a greater impact on national elections through pooling resources and dealing from a position of collective strength.

How Much Should I Give?
That's totally up to you. Contribution levels range from $10.00 to $5,000.00. It is a personal decision and you should contribute what you are comfortable with. All contributions are useful and welcome

When Is the Best Time To Give?
Now! Contributions are invited and accepted throughout the year.

Who Decides Which Candidates Receive Support?
Contractors. The AGC PAC Contributions Subcommittee is chaired by the chairman/co-chairman of the AGC Legislative Committee. The Legislative Action Committee membership is made up of 10 Regional Coordinators, 50+ State Chairmen and Co-Chairmen and all PAC Chapter Representatives. These volunteers attempt to reach a consensus from local AGC members before making a contribution decision.

What Criteria Must A Candidate Meet To Receive Support?
Contractors on the Contributions Subcommittee look at voting record and committee assignments (if the candidate is an incumbent), philosophical agreement on a majority of AGC issues, viability of the campaign and local contractor support.

How Much Is Given To Each Candidate?
Contributions to House candidates average $1,500 to $5,000 per cycle. Senate candidates receive $5,000 to $10,000 per cycle.

How Much Are PACS Allowed To Contribute To A Candidate?
$5,000 for each election - the Primary and the General are considered separate elections. If there is a Runoff election, that also is considered a separate election with its own $5,000 limit.

When Are Contributions Given To Candidates?
Throughout the year. Because of the high cost of running a campaign, most candidates begin raising money as soon as the current election is over.

Can I Select My Own Candidates?
Yes. Any PAC contributor may recommend a specific candidate for the Contributions Subcommittee's review and if the candidate meets the evaluation criteria noted above, the contribution will be made.

Who Delivers The Checks?
AGC contractors. Checks are prepared in the AGC National office and mailed to a contractor at the local level for delivery.

Is My Contribution Tax Deductible?
No. Federal law no longer permits political contributions to be deducted from your Federal or State taxes.

What Is the "Double-D" Club?
Those contractors who contribute $365 — a Dollar for each Day of the year.

Who Pays For the Operating Expenses of AGC PAC?
AGC pays all expenses for the PAC, with the exception of Federal taxes on interest earned, which by Federal law must be paid from PAC funds. With that exception, 100% of funds contributed to AGC PAC are used for candidate support. All funds contributed go to the candidates. AGC assumes all administrative costs.

What Is the 535 Club?
Those contractors who contribute at least $1,000 annually to AGC PAC.

Who Pays for the 535 Club Expenses?
AGC. No administrative or operating expenses are paid from PAC funds.

May I Use Company Funds?
No. Federal law requires that all contributions to U.S. House and Senate candidates be made by personal funds. Corporate contributions are forbidden.

Why Am I Asked To Sign An Authorization for Solicitation?
Since AGC is a trade association whose members are companies rather than individuals, Federal law requires the association to obtain permission from the member company before an individual within that company may be solicited for a PAC contribution.

When Is the Best Time To Give?
Now! AGC PAC contributions are accepted throughout the year.

Download the AGC PAC Fact Sheet