Trade Association PACs Give $15 Million in First Quarter

By Kent Cooper
Posted May 14, 2013 at 3:12pm

Political action committees of trade associations gave almost $15 million to federal candidates, political parties and other committees during the first quarter of 2013. Republicans received 63% of those funds.

In the 2011-2012 cycle trade association PACs gave $148,828,176 with $102,215,973 (69%) going to Republicans and $46,254,766 (31%) going to Democrats.

The 280 trade association PACs gave $14,894,284 to federal candidates, leadership PACs, national party committees and other party-related committees in the first three months of 2013. Republicans received $9,398,103 (63%) and Democrats received $5,491,465 (37%).

Here are the top 10 trade association PACs in the first quarter:

The National Association Realtors PAC gave $502,539 with 60% going to Republicans.
The American Bankers Association PAC (BankPAC) gave $407,000 with Republicans receiving 71%.
CULAC, the PAC of the Credit Union National Association, gave $304,750 with 75% going to Republicans.
The National Beer Wholesalers Association PAC gave $285,000 with 77% going to Republicans.
The Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America PAC gave $283,500 with 56% going to Democrats.
The Associated Builders and Contractors PAC (ABC PAC) gave $281,500 with 100% going to Republicans.
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America PAC gave $276,000 with 64% going to Republicans.
The American College of Radiology Association PAC gave $271,000 with 55% going to Republicans.
The Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE) of the National Rural Electric Cooperative gave $268,599 with 77% going to Republicans.

The National Multi Housing Council PAC gave $263,160 with 55% going to Republicans.

For a full ranking of trade association PACs use Political MoneyLine’s 
Top Trade Assn. PACs
 search.