Imagine the scene—a nameless miller’s daughter finds herself in need of a little magical help. Enter Rumpelstiltskin, the pint-sized wizard with an offer she just can’t refuse. “I’ll spin that straw into gold for you, but just remember, I’ll be back for payment… oh, and one tiny human child should do it!” Now, if only our political action committees (PACs) came with such straightforward contracts! Because when they start doling out dollar bills quicker than Rumpelstiltskin can spin, you’ve got to wonder: are they truly trying to elect the best candidates? Or are they just building a rainy-day fund for when their own sunny skies turn stormy?

What is a PAC?

Whereas voters usually get one vote, a PAC is a organization where democracy meets capitalism. PACs collect contributions from their members and then sprinkle those funds like confetti at a parade, donating it to campaigns for or against candidates, ballot initiatives, and legislation. PACs can be associated with businesses, labor unions, or ideological groups. Basically, PACs ensure that a politician is passionate about something. These committees channel large sums of money into campaigns. And while they’re doing their thing behind the scenes (and often under a fog of FEC regulations), they play a pivotal role in shaping our beloved political landscape. So next time you see an ad blitz for a candidate who looks suspiciously well-funded, thank those hardworking PACs—because nothing says “I care about democracy” quite like throwing money at it!

Perks of PACs

On one hand, PACs do have their perks. They’re like that group project where only a few people do all the work—decisions get made faster because power is concentrated in the hands of a chosen few. Forget about endless committee meetings; who needs democracy when you can have efficiency! Just think of the time saved when you can bypass all those pesky voters and jump straight to cashing in on favors. But, hold on to your wallets! The dirty little secret of our oligarchic friends? Income inequality with wealth being hoarded and prized, they just love making large donations—contributions that might come with an invisible ‘thank you’ note expecting favors down the road. And let’s not forget those political action committees (PACs), which sound suspiciously like front-row seats at an auction for influence.

Politicians Making Faustian bargains

Those billions in campaign funding don’t come for free. In this raucous political circus we call democracy, it often feels like candidates are juggling promises while dodging questions. Does it seem like the die is already cast. They are not serving the people, but the donors?  Meanwhile, lurking in the shadows are PACs ready to cash in their shiny favors at a moment’s notice—“Hey there! Remember us? We dropped a cool million on school choice. Time to collect!” Just like our mischievous friend Rumpelstiltskin, PACs carefully craft their names to pull at your heartstrings or hover around your patriotic feelings. Names like “Americans for Prosperity” sound all warm and fuzzy until you realize what Rumpelstiltskin is requesting.

Rumpelstiltskin collects

PACs use elaborate naming strategies that sparkle on paper but hide intentions clearer than Rumpelstiltskin’s motives—because let’s be real; he wasn’t after sweet baby cheeks; he wanted those gun rights wrapped up tighter than his spinning skills! They attempt to bias the audience toward a particular viewpoint or obscure the organization’s true intent. Rumpelstiltskin wanted a Baby. PACs want gun rights, a new pipeline through a pristine natural habitat, more profits for pharmaceuticals, or lower taxes on soda pop. They use elaborate naming strategies that sparkle on paper but hide intentions clearer than Rumpelstiltskin’s motives—because let’s be real; he wasn’t after sweet baby cheeks; he wanted those gun rights wrapped up tighter than his spinning skills!

Make Your Vote Count

So, when it comes to voting—and political action committees—don’t forget your magic mirror (or maybe some good ol’ skepticism). Because beneath every glittering name lies a quest for power potentially leading us down paths as treacherous as stepping into a deal with our favorite fairy tale trickster!

Citations and Further Reading

Jazeera, A. (2024). Show us the money: How big money dominates the 2024 US election. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/31/show-us-the-money-how-big-money-dominates-the-2024-us-election

Koerth, M. (2018). How Money Affects Elections. FiveThirtyEight. https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/money-and-elections-a-complicated-love-story/

Kornberg, M.  & Deng, S. (2024). How Money Shapes Pathways to Power in Congress. Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/how-money-shapes-pathways-power-congress

USA Facts. (2022). What role do political action committees have in elections? Spending by political action committees increased more than eight-fold from 2008 to 2020. https://usafacts.org/articles/what-role-do-political-action-committees-have-in-elections/

USA Facts. (2022). Georgia Senate campaigns have raised between $86 million and $140 million each. Average fundraising to win a US Senate seat is $8 million. https://usafacts.org/articles/georgia-senate-campaigns-raised-between-86-million-and-140-million-each/

Wahid, R., Allison, B. & Sam, C., & Meghjani, T.  (2024). The 2024 US election cycle has cost political groups $14.7 billion. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2024-us-election-pac-spending-donations-fec/