InsurPac Impacts Campaign 2008

This year’s election proved to be one of the most historic in recent history as a sitting U.S. Senator earned the presidency for the first time since 1960. President-elect Barack Obama scored a decisive win, and Democrats increased their majorities in both the U.S. Senate and House.

Just as this election was historic for the nation, it was also historic for InsurPac. Your federal political action committee supported more House and Senate campaigns than ever before, and contributed a record amount of money along the way. InsurPac distributed $1,631,500 this election cycle. It supported 241 races, winning 222 of them for an amazing 92% victory rate. In disbursing this money, InsurPac did not look at party affiliation; as always, it gave money to representatives, senators and candidates for federal office who have been friends and advocates of the independent agency system.

Not only was InsurPac’s financial support in these races critical, but equally important were the grassroots efforts demonstrated by the Big “I” membership. Numerous agents volunteered their time, threw fundraisers, attended campaign events and cast their ballots. The Big “I” has always prided itself on representing individuals who understand and appreciate their civic duties and responsibilities, and this year was no different.

Big “I” friends and advocates were up against the wall in a handful of races, and InsurPac weighed in heavily to help protect them. Former Maine Insurance Commissioner and sitting Republican Sen. Susan Collins won a decisive 61–39% victory, despite her state’s overwhelming support for President-elect Obama. With her intimate knowledge of the state-based insurance industry, Collins has been a strong advocate for independent agents. InsurPac contributed the maximum amount to Collins’s campaign, and the Big “I” of Maine actively encouraged their membership to support her.

On the Democratic side of the Senate, InsurPac weighed in with contributions to Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu and former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, both of whom won their respective races. As business-friendly legislators, they will be influential voices for main street America.

A handful of former Big “I” members faced competition this election cycle. InsurPac weighed in “for its own,” protecting current Reps. John Tanner, (R-Tenn.), Dan Burton (R-Ind.), Allen Boyd (D-Fla.), Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), Baron Hill (D-Ind.) and Tim Holden (D-Pa.), among others. Each was able to fight back competition and return to Congress.

In Georgia, Big “I” Legislator of the Year and sitting Congressman David Scott faced a spirited challenge from a well-funded Republican opponent. Working to protect a true advocate, InsurPac donated the maximum amount of money to Scott’s campaign and helped him secure reelection. Similarly, InsurPac gave the maximum to Congressmen Geoff Davis (R-Ky.), Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) and Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.), each of whom won their races and will return to Congress as outspoken supporters of independent agents.

As with every election, InsurPac and independent agents suffered some congressional losses. While disappointing, they are an equally important reminder that we cannot take our friends in Congress for granted. They must have the necessary financial resources to win reelection every two or six years. For that reason, the importance of PACs in the political process will continue to grow.

Nathan Riedel (nathan.riedel@iiaba.net) is Big “I” vice president of political affairs.



NFIP On the Radar

Top Insurance PACs 2007–2008

Insurance Group Receipts
NAIFA PAC $1,986,220
New York Life PAC $1,984,695
Aflac PAC $1,916,204
InsurPac $1,598,718
USAA PAC $1,170,495


Agent & Broker PACs 2007–2008

Agent Group Receipts
InsurPac $1,598,718
CIAB PAC $800,897
PIA PAC $103,136

Source: Data from Federal Election Commission, thru Oct. 15, 2008

—N.R.