8.1

Mid terms

Elections in the middle of a presidential term

• less media attention

• Lower voter turnout

• Current party (R/D) of president usually loses

House of Representatives

• Based on state population

• Two-year term

• No term limit

Senate

• 2 per state

• Six-year term (no limit)

Every two years, 1/3 of senators must run for reelection

The Incumbent

A incumbent is the current member running for reelection

Incumbents Advantages

• Name recognition

• Track record/experience

• Ease of raising money

• Can send mail for free

Political Action Committee (PAC)

PACs raise money for a candidate. They accept donations and spend it on supporting their candidate

FEC

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is a govt. agency that overseas contributions and spending to prevent illegal activities in political campaigns.

Campaign Financing

BCRA 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act:

• established campaign contribution and spending rules in federal elections

• prevented corporations and unions from using their money to advertise for candidates

Citizens United V. FEC (2010)

SCOTUS ruled that limits on contributions from individuals and corporations was a violation of free speech

PAC Donations

• by individuals only

• given “to” candidate’s committee

• must be reported to FEC

• limited amounts

Super PAC Donations

• by corporations and individuals

• unlimited amounts

• may be anonymous

• spent “on” the candidate

• cannot coordinate with the candidate

Hard Money

Given directly to a candidate for the purpose of use in an election

• FEC regulated

Soft Money

Given to a state and local party organizations for voting related activities

• NOT FEC regulated

Arguments against the E.C

• “feels” less democratic

• Many citizens feel their vote doesn’t count

• Gives too much power to “Swing” states