A PAC founded by one of the most vocal members of the “birther” movement.
Players Guide
Who are the people and groups behind the TV ads in the 2014 federal elections? Below is a list of organizations that have been active or are expected to be active in raising and spending money to influence voters in 2014. Click on the links to read profiles of each organization. The groups were selected based on the amounts they have spent, or say they plan to spend, or the media attention they have attracted. It is not a comprehensive list, and additional groups will be added as the campaign season unfolds.
Many of these groups may legally raise and spend unlimited amounts of money. They are known as super PACs and must register with the Federal Election Commission. Others may legally raise unlimited donations and avoid disclosing their donors. Those groups do not file with the FEC, but register rather with the IRS under Section 501(c).
This is our third year providing a guide to groups seeking to influence federal elections. Our 2010 Players Guide and 2012 Players Guide are still available, although they have not been updated since those elections ended.
Americans United for Change
Americans United for Change is a liberal group whose message closely mirrors that of the Obama White House.
AFL-CIO
Large federation of labor unions is strongly Democratic.
Priorities USA/Priorities USA Action
A super PAC and a nonprofit sister organization launched by former Obama White House staffers as a Democratic counter to American Crossroads/Crossroads GPS.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Democratic-leaning labor union representing 2.1 million health care, government and property management workers.
American Bridge 21st Century
A liberal super PAC that conducts opposition research to aid Democratic candidates and organizations.
American Action Network/American Action Forum
A 501(c)(4) founded by a former Republican senator and a longtime GOP fundraiser. It focuses on keeping the House in Republican control.
Patriot Majority USA/Patriot Majority PAC
Affiliated liberal groups founded by a Democratic political strategist and heavily funded by labor unions.
NextGen Climate Action
A liberal super PAC founded by San Francisco billionaire and climate-change activist Tom Steyer that focuses on environmental issues.
Campaign for Primary Accountability
A super PAC that has opposed House incumbents from both parties in primary elections.