Interest Groupsin the 2008 election

Digital Politics

by

Liza Bruno

What is an interest group?

A politically active group in the United States seeking policy

change

The U.S. Constitution1st Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Influence of Interest Groups

1) Financial Resources

2) Managerial and political skills of leaders

3) Size and cohesiveness of membership

4) Timing

5) Motivation of cause

“interest group." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 19 Oct. 2008  <http://search.eb.com/eb/article-257769>.

About.com: U.S. Government Info

“Pick an issue. Pick an opinion. Congratulations! There's an

online organization that agrees with you.”

There is an interest group for virtually every issue…

Examples of Established Interest Groups:

• Teachers (NEA)• Labor unions (AFL)• Lawyers (ABA)• Doctors (AMA)• Home owners• Investment brokers• Farmers (AFB)• Gun owners (NRA)• Veterans (VFW)• Auto manufacturers (Big 3)• Pro Israel (AIPAC)• Civil rights defenders (ACLU)• Environment (League of Conservation Voters)• Business (Chamber of Commerce)

Who lobbies for you and me?

- PUBLIC CITIZEN- Founded by Ralph Nadar in 1971 as an organization dedicated

to protecting health, safety and democracy- “The group continues to fight for average citizens whose voices

are muted by the monied special interestes.” – John McCain

http://www.citizen.org/

- COMMON CAUSE- Founded in 1970 by John Gardner as a vehicle for citizens to

make their voices heard in the political process and to hold their elected leaders accountable to the public interest.

- “When the little guy wins, it’s likely that Common Cause had something to do with the victory. It’s good to know that the people can make a difference” -St. Petersburg Times

http://www.commoncause.org

-Interest Groups are a major factor in fundraising for presidential, congressional, senatorial and local campaigns.- PACs vs. 527s

PACs: work to advance a candidate. Distribute money to candidates and political parties based on interest. A PAC raises money and distributes it to candidates and political parties that support its cause. 

527s: work to advance a cause and advocate for issues. Cannot coordinate expenditures with a candidate. Not responsible to report to the FEC (Federal Election Commission).

Election 2008

BARACK OBAMA

Summary of Money Raised:

http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/summary.php?cycle=2008&cid=N0000963815

Summary of Independent Expenditures:

http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/indexp_indiv.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638

JOHN MCCAIN

Summary of Money Raised

http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/summary.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00006424

Summary of Independent Expenditures

http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/indexp_indiv.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00006424

• Founded in 1998• 3.3 million members• Federal PAC• Average Americans fighting for

progressive politics• Powerful email listserve:

“Dear MoveOn member, For weeks, John McCain has run one of the most dishonest campaigns in American history. Even Karl Rove had to admit McCain has gone too far.1 Now it's time to strike back—to refocus voters on what we'll get if we elect McCain president. So today, we're launching a new ad that uses the facts to hit John McCain hard—reminding voters of his numerous ties to big oil companies and their lobbyists. This is one of the top issues for swing voters—and the ad makes McCain's record clear. But we can only get it on the air if enough of us chip in. Can you check it out, and chip in if you can?”

• Endorses: Barack Obamahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObOpIQksI0k&feature=user

NRA- Institute for Legislative Action (ILA)

• Established in 1975 as the “lobbying” arm of the National Rifle Association

• Support by NRA’s 4 million members• Defends 2nd amendment rights and educates

public about gun safety• Website created by NRA- Gunbanobama.com• Former Clinton spokesman George

Stephanopoulos said, "Let me make one small vote for the NRA. They're good citizens. They call their Congressmen. They write. They vote. They contribute. And they get what they want over time."

• Endorses: John McCainhttp://www.gunbanobama.com/default.aspx?NavGuid=5b2961fd-7987-4cbf-9555-388b8fe4fb8c&ID=1360723&ArchiveGuid=430d7335-d158-44f5-aab6-bb7d1226f3fa&title=%22Words%22%20-%20Obama%20TV%20Ad

Other Interest GroupAdvertisements

• National Right to Lifehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h80mSgsQ6CU

• Moveon.orghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BncNpB6IZ9I

• Our Country Deserves Better PAChttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgpsmf7YCLM&feature=related

• Planned Parenthoodhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqnmXSXtDkQ

Helping or Hurting?Pros:

1) With numbers there are strength2) Allows you to petition your government with a louder voice3) More money, more attention, more services, more protection to the interest

Cons:1) Group may overwhelm and outbalance the public interest

ex. NRA vs. National Association of Chiefs of Police

2) Powerful “Interests” may distract government from more important and often neglected issues

Interest Groups: Good or Bad?YOU DECIDE!

In conclusion, to get in the mood… “its time for

some campaignin’

http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables/1191/time_for_some_campaignin#/teaser/1191