The following provides answers to common questions asked by current or potential PAC members. PAC managers and peer solicitors should use these in their communications and encourage employees to learn more about the truth of PACs.

• What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
  A PAC enables employees or members of groups - such as corporations and professional organizations - to pool their political contributions and support candidates who will help the organization achieve its legislative objectives.
  
• Isn't the money just being used to buy politicians?
  NO. PACs are simply groups of like-minded individuals who pool their resources to achieve a common goal. The contributions are allocated by the PAC Board, not company officers, and given to candidates whose records indicate that they balance fairness with issues that coincide with our company's goals and pro-business agenda.
  
• I thought PACs were going to be eliminated
  NO. PACs continue to be supported in the political process because they are a legal, legitimate and open method of campaign finance. Even in the current reform debates, PACs remain relatively unaffected and are being seen as the most viable source of contributions to candidates.
  
• Why shouldn't I just support individual candidates and by-pass the PAC?
  With individual contributions, candidates may not know why you supported them. When a PAC makes a contribution, it sends a strong, collective message that employees have an interest in the company and its customers. There is strength in numbers.
  
• How are the PAC's contributions used by candidates? Why do they need our support?
  The cost of running for public office has become increasingly expensive. PAC funds go toward many aspects of successful campaigning, including developing printed materials, purchasing advertising time and providing salaries for campaign staff.
  
• Who is eligible to join the PAC? Who will be solicited?
  In accordance with Federal law, eligible employees are defined as executive and administrative personnel who are paid by salary, rather than an hourly basis. These individuals also have policymaking, managerial, professional or supervisory responsibilities.
  
• Why should I join? Can't the company promote its own interests?
  Our industry is in a time of rapid change. Your participation helps to get candidates elected that best support our corporate goals and business strategy. The company does promote its own interests through the governmental and regulatory departments, but due to federal regulations, cannot make political contributions. Combining our work at the federal, state and local levels with PAC contributions provides the best positioning for our company.
  
• How do I join?
  Simply fill-out the enrollment card found in your PAC brochure and mail or fax it to the contact information shown on the back.
  
• Is my PAC contribution tax deductible?
  NO. Contributions to this, or any other PAC, are not tax deductible.
  
• What candidates are supported by our PAC?
  Our PAC is nonpartisan and supports both Democrats and Republicans. Your dollars help support candidates who are sensitive to the issues that affect our company. Candidates to receive contributions from our PAC must demonstrate: a commitment to free enterprise, sound judgment on issues of concern to our industry, a supportive voting record of at least __% and viability as a candidate.

Other questions to consider include: