Recently, three well-connected partners in a prominent California Strategies public affairs firm have agreed to pay fines to California’s political watchdog agency for attempting to influence state government decisions without registering as lobbyists1. In this case the partners, “crossed over the line which separates policy consultants from lobbyists.” In other situations, corporations have come under increased scrutiny for unwittingly participating in lobby activities without registration or proper financial disclosure.

A political action committee (PAC) is a type of organization that pools campaign contributions from persons or members and donates those funds to campaign for or against candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation.

Is your PAC or Candidate Committee fundraising strategy in line with campaign finance rules? No matter what political fundraising model you use, be sure to keep your activities legal by knowing and following the applicable laws in the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (MCFA).