1. 1 American College of Cardiology Political Action Committee ACC PAC www.accpacweb.org

2. 2 Advancing Quality Cardiovascular Care through… Science Education Advocacy

3. 3 The Path to Power Cardiologists must work together to fulfill the advocacy component of ACC’s mission: Combining voices to impact the political process Combining resources to send a powerful message to Congress Combining power to preserve healthcare

4. 4 ACC PAC Mission Contribute to the campaigns of those Members of Congress who support the College’s legislative agenda Gain BETTER access to develop relationships with high profile legislators, especially committee chairs and leadership Build grassroots and fundraising potential to bring about election results favorable to our advocacy goals

5. 5 ACC PAC Criteria for Political Contributions The PAC Board considers the following criteria in determining political disbursements: 1. Leadership position 2. Committee assignment 3. Past voting record on OUR issues 4. Medical profession: MD, DO, etc. 5. Personal relationship with ACC member 6. Likelihood to win – polls, district

6. 6 ACC PAC: Disbursements to Candidates in the 2008 Election Cycle (2007 and 2008) Contributions made to over 250 candidates, leadership PACs and party committees Total of $997,289 disbursed 56% given to Democrats 44% given to Republicans

7. 7 ACC PAC: Disbursements to Candidates in the 2010 Election Cycle (2009 and so far in 2010) Contributions made to over 210 candidates, leadership PACs and party committees so far Total of $612,000 disbursed so far 56% given to Democrats 44% given to Republicans Our influence is growing, but our competitors are still giving more

8. 8 Why Contribute to ACC PAC? 100% of your personal contributions are used to support the election of pro-physician candidates to Congress Currently, only 7% of our members contribute to ACC PAC each year Other specialty groups have better-funded PACs, giving them an advantage at the decision making table: more funds = greater access

9. 9 Where do we stand? PAC Receipts 2008 Cycle

10. 10 Service Employees International Union$45,350,942 American Association for Justice (trial lawyers)$6,265,740 American Hospital Association$3,596,575 American Medical Association$3,263,871 American Society of Anesthesiologists$3,120,319 American Dental Association$2,453,054 American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons$2,372,846 American College of Radiology$1,702,359 American Academy of Ophthalmology$1,697,897 American College of Emergency Physicians$1,683,776 Wellpoint, Inc.$1,363,273 College of American Pathologists$1,076,533 American College of Surgeons Professional Association$1,064,574 UnitedHealth Group$1,047,082 American Academy of Family Physicians$788,710 American College of Cardiology$786,074 America’s Health Insurance Plans$550,410 American Psychiatric Association$540,532 American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology$522,786

11. 11 Giving to ACC PAC Only U.S. members can contribute to the PAC Need personal funds, not corporate- only personal contributions can be used for political giving ACC PAC can solicit from over 25,000 Members 2010 Election Cycle (so far): $1,007,904 raised in 2009 and so far in 2010 (includes both “hard” and “soft” receipts) 2,185 individuals have contributed Average per contributor = $461

12. 12 For more information… Please visit: www.accpacweb.org

13. 13 For more information… Or contact: Nick Morse Associate Director, Political & Legislative Affairs nmorse@acc.org 202-375-6372