Advocacy
TechPAC
Supporting candidates who understand the importance of Washington’s global technology leadership
WTIA’s Political Action Committee (TechPAC) aims to provide political contributions to incumbents and candidates who have demonstrated a record of support for WTIA’s priority legislative issues.
Political contributions are a valuable tool for any organization
that advocates in the public sector. Political contributions are
used in conjunction with direct lobbying, communications with WTIA
members and elected officials, grassroots issue campaigns, and
media relations. Without political contributions, these policy
levers are less effective.
TechPAC is regulated by the state's Public Disclosure
Commission (PDC). Reports are filed per state law and are
accessible from the PDC's website.
Contribution limits are adjusted annually by the PDC. For 2012,
state legislative candidates can receive up to $900 for the primary
and up to $900 for the general election from an individual,
political action committee, corporation, or union. Statewide
candidates (Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, etc.) can
receive up to $1,800 for the primary and up to $1,800 for the
general election. Other limits apply to contributions to
legislative caucus committees, local party committees, and state
party committees. TechPAC does not contribute to candidates for
federal office.
TechPAC depends on voluntary contributions from individuals and
companies. Any amount can be contributed. All contributions over
$25 are disclosed and reported to the PDC. A contribution of $100
or more is required to be a TechPAC member, which then provides
access to PAC decision making. You do not have to be a WTIA member
or sponsor to contribute, as TechPAC is a separate legal entity.
You may make contributions by either check or credit card. Download
the TechPAC contribution form
WTIA's Vice President of Government Affairs makes periodic
recommendations to the PAC members for contributions to
candidates/incumbents. TechPAC members are eligible to attend
fundraising events for candidates/incumbents whom TechPAC
supports.
TechPAC is bipartisan, basing its support upon funds available
and by the voting record of the incumbent/candidate for WTIA's key
legislative and policy issues.
For more information, please contact WTIA's VP of Government and
External Affairs, Lewis McMurran, at lmcmurran@washingtontechnology.org
or by phone at (206) 448-3033 x101.