Since 1969, the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), has promoted the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States. The purpose of RPAC is to use voluntary contributions made by REALTORS® to help elect candidates who understand and support REALTOR® interests. These are not National Association of REALTOR® member dues; this is money given freely by REALTORS® in recognition of the importance of the political process.
The REALTORS® Political Action Committee and other political fundraising are the keys to protecting and promoting the real estate industry. RPAC is one of the most bipartisan PACs in the country, giving to both Democrats and Republicans alike. The only stipulation is that the candidate be a member of the REALTOR Party® – members of Congress and candidates who support REALTOR®-friendly issues. Through direct contributions, our opportunity race program, and independent expenditures, we ensure that REALTOR® issues are heard on Capitol Hill.
Also under the RPAC umbrella, NAR’s President’s Circle is a unique program that allows individual REALTORS® to support candidates running for reelection or for higher office. Among national trade associations, only NAR has developed a voluntary, direct-to- candidate contribution program designed to support REALTORS® most stalwart Capitol Hill champions in their elections.
Launched in 2003, the President’s Circle identifies candidates whose position in Congress and support for REALTOR® legislative initiatives is unparalleled. Like all REALTOR® political support, the candidates chosen for inclusion in the President’s Circle program must meet requirements set by the national RPAC Disbursement Trustees. The result is a group of candidates, of both political parties, reflecting our REALTOR® Party strategy, who have placed a primary focus of their legislative activities on the promotion and protection of the real estate industry. Given the expense and complexity of modern campaigns, the contributions provided by individual REALTORS® to President’s Circle candidates can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
