KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
RPAC
Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is a nonpartisan organization that assists in the election of candidates who support private property rights and other issues that have a direct impact on the real estate industry on a local, state and national level.
▪ $8,200 cap on contributions RPAC can make to candidates.
▪ Candidate can be aware of spending
▪ RPAC contributions are monetary contributions to a specific candidate’s campaign.
▪ RPAC contributions are voluntary and come from members of the REALTOR® association.
▪ 100 percent of RPAC contributions are used to support REALTOR®-friendly candidates.
ISSUES MOBILIZATION FUND
The Issues Mobilization Fund (IMF) is a committee used to fund research into various real estate matters, like the State and Local Tax (SALT) and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and to provide funds for public awareness campaigns in support of real estate issues in New Jersey and our local communities. IMF funds are used to promote or end state legislation, local ordinances, or other governmental actions impacting the rights of private property owners and Realtors® Through public awareness campaigns, Realtors® and residents can bring a strong and unified voice to government officials on issues affecting them. Funding to support the IMF's mission is gathered strictly from a portion of membership dues.
INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE
An Independent Expenditure (IE) is a political campaign designed to influence the outcome of an election. IEs are run for a candidate without coordinating with that candidate and without the candidate’s knowledge. An independent expenditure can be as simple as sending out a mail piece urging voters to support a certain candidate on election day, or as complex as multiple mail pieces, phone calls, online advertisements and door-to-door canvassers. IEs are funded by Section 527 groups, or “super PACs.” NJ Realtors® super PAC is NJ CORE.
▪ No cap on spending.
▪ Candidate is not and must not be aware of IE campaign.
▪ Independent expenditures are separate campaigns in support of the candidate and can include mailings, phone calls, canvassing and backing beyond monetary contributions.
▪ Independent expenditures are funded through NJ CORE, which is funded through an NJ REALTORS® dues assessment.
Critical Independent Expenditure Information
When considering conducting an IE for a local race, such as for council or Mayor, NJ CORE seeks the input of the local board. The Association Executive (AE) is tasked with creating a three-member ad hoc committee, which should not be made public, to decide whether or not to make an IE recommendation to the NJ CORE Trustees. The final decision to hold the IE is vested with the NJ CORE Trustees. Recommendations for IEs must be made to the NJ CORE Trustees at least 60 days in advance of the date of the election. Members of a local board’s ad hoc IE committee are asked to sign an “affidavit of no contact”. Under election law, if a candidate is told of an independent expenditure, it could result in fines or jail time. When forming the local ad hoc committee, AEs are asked to select members of their board they believe can be fair in their decision making, do not have a conflict of interest with the candidate, and are able to keep confidential matters confidential. If you have questions, or you believe your committee has been compromised, please contact Emily Hicks immediately at 609-341-7109 or ehicks@njrealtor.com.