How Super PACs Operate
Super PACs, or Political Action Committees, are independent organizations that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money in support of or opposition to political candidates and causes. They are separate from traditional PACs, which are subject to limits on the amount of money they can raise and spend.
Super PACs are formed as independent expenditure-only committees, meaning they can only spend money on independent expenditures such as advertising, polling, and direct mail. They are not allowed to make contributions to candidates or political parties, nor are they allowed to coordinate their activities with candidates or political parties.
Super PACs are required to disclose their donors to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). However, they can also accept donations from other political action committees, nonprofits, and other organizations that are not required to disclose their own donors, which is known as "dark money".
Super PACs can raise money from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other groups. They can also establish affiliated organizations, such as non-profit 501(c)(4) groups, which are not required to disclose their donors.
Super PACs are required to file regular reports with the FEC disclosing their contributions and expenditures. This information is publicly available and can be found on the FEC's website.
Super PACs are not allowed to make contributions to candidates or political parties, nor are they allowed to coordinate their activities with candidates or political parties. However, they can still have a significant impact on the political process by funding advertising, polling, and other forms of political messaging. They can also outspend the candidates themselves, which has led to concerns about the influence of money in politics and the potential for corruption.
Overall, Super PACs operate with a significant degree of independence and flexibility, but they are subject to disclosure and reporting requirements and are not allowed to coordinate their activities with candidates or political parties.