FranPAC Favorite: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

According to the International Franchise Association, FranPAC “creates an opportunity for IFA members to provide financial support to candidates for federal office, and a robust PAC means more contributions to candidates who understand franchising and who will promote a legislative and regulatory climate favorable to franchising.” Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee - $10,000 from FranPAC With the role of raising funds and recruiting favorable candidates to the Democratic Party, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), often referred to as the “D triple C,” is, according to its website, “the official campaign arm of the Democrats in the House.” The DCCC has a long history, originally founded in 1866 as the Democratic National Congressional Committee. The DCCC bills itself as “the single most effective step you can take to continue leading our country in a new direction,” and is the only political committee in the country “whose principal mission is to support Democratic House candidates every step of the way.” Out of the four Congressional Campaign Committees, which also include the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the DCCC has the largest research department, increasing its influence in elections and promotion of the Democratic Party’s agenda. The current Committee Chair is Representative Steve Israel, who represents the state of New York’s 2nd congressional district. Key Votes While the DCCC does not actually vote on house measures, we can look at the voting history of Israel on the IFA’s key issues. In 2011 and 2012, Brown voted with the IFA on the following: • H.R. 4: The Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 • H.R. 2433: Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011 Since Israel did not vote with the IFA on many of the association’s key issues, he receives a 28.6 percent rating on the IFA’s Federal Vote Scorecard. Despite that fact, the IFA continues to support the DCCC as both organizations seek the creation of new jobs to help an ailing economy.