In 2010, NEMPAC Gave $1.2 Million

NEMPAC played a major role in the campaigns of candidates in the 2010 elections. Thanks to the generosity and support of thousands of ACEP members nationwide, NEMPAC was able to contribute more than $1.2 million directly to the campaigns of 199 U.S. House of Representatives candidates and 21 U.S. Senate candidates, and an additional $120,000 to national party committees. The breakdown includes:

• U.S. Senate spending: $169,500
• U.S. House spending: $1,044,500
• National party committees: $120,000
• Independent expenditures: $160,000

NEMPAC supported Dr. Heck’s campaign with the maximum allowable contribution of $10,000. The NEMPAC Board of Trustees also approved an independent expenditure for Dr. Heck’s race totaling nearly $100,000 for radio ads and direct mail. An independent expenditure is a political activity intended to assist or oppose a specific candidate for office that is done without the direct knowledge of, or coordination with, the candidate.

NEMPAC currently ranks fourth among physician specialty PACs. This includes the specialty societies of orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and ophthalmologists – which draw from substantially larger membership bases.

“We’re thrilled about Dr. Heck’s successful campaign and his election to the United States House of Representatives,” said Dr. Bruce Auerbach, chair of the NEMPAC Board of Trustees. “It’s exciting to have another physician – and particularly an emergency physician – in Congress to provide our perspective and speak to the issues. We know he will be a valuable asset to his fellow Representatives. NEMPAC was proud to have been able to support Dr. Heck the way we did,” he continued. “This, and many other similar initiatives for other campaigns, was made possible only by the generous support of our members. As the PAC Board chair, I’m so proud of how our colleagues have recognized the importance of having a strong, well-funded PAC and how it enabled us to participate in Dr. Heck’s campaign and help him accomplish this goal.”