But without a PAC we cannot contribute to any campaign. And without a contribution we may not get access to the key legislators we need to see or influence. It's an admission fee or a crowbar. While we may not need it on all issues I think some will require it. At the moment I see the need for the ability of a PAC to allow us to get access on the CC&R issue and any possible anti BPL legislation we might be forced to push in the future. I am sure there will be something else a few years from now. For these reasons I think it is important that we continue to explore the PAC issue. I think we are still a long way from having enough information to either write it off or to go with it. Frank....N2FF......... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ" <dsumner@arrl.org> To: "arrl-odv" <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Sent: Friday, August 22, 2003 5:38 PM Subject: [ARRL-ODV:9298] Re: Ham Radio PAC?
Dick, I haven't done the calculation recently, but my recollection of the last time I did is that we could be spending 3 or 4 times as much on lobbying (i.e., influencing legislation) as we do and still be within bounds. However, if we were to increase our spending above current levels we would want to consider electing the 501(h) absolute dollar limit, which eliminates any uncertainty.
A good white paper on the subject is available at http://www.centeronline.org/knowledge/whitepaper.cfm?ID=1782&
73, Dave K1ZZ
-----Original Message----- From: Isely, Dick (Dir, Central) Sent: Monday, August 18, 2003 1:11 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [ARRL-ODV:9277] Re: Ham Radio PAC?
18 AUG, 2003 - 1210 CDT
Hello Dave...
Thanks for the brief review of the differences between a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(4) organization in terms of political lobbying activity.
The question that keeps popping up in my mind is whether or not "insubstantial" lobbying will be sufficient for our goals considering the political and regulatory climate in "The City of Truth & Light".
73 - Dick, W9GIG