The types of PACS financially contributing to campaigns in 2018 is vast and growing.
One of those is a statewide animal-welfare group looking to show a little more “teeth” when it comes to convincing politicians to support its legislative efforts.
The Texas Humane Legislation Network has been endorsing like-minded political candidates since 1975, but this election cycle will be the first one in which the group will be able to financially contribute to a candidate’s campaign.
Laura Donahue, the group’s executive director, said the new PAC will also allow it to raise and spend funds for candidates and work to turn out voters on its behalf. Donahue is hoping to gather enough support to ensure the passage of legislation that further restricts when, how and for how long a pet-owner can tether a dog alone outside.
“We will be sitting down with the candidates that we support and saying how can we help you? You know we have a huge grassroots volunteer base, and that’s probably going to be the biggest value-add to candidates,” she said. “... Of course we can contribute financially, but really there’s so many people that want to see our laws improve for animals.”
Since the PAC's formation this month, Texas Humane Legislation Network has raised more than $60,000 to contribute to various political campaigns.
Ryan Poppe can be reached at rpoppe@tpr.org or on Twitter @RyanPoppe1
