SOUTH DAKOTA I-PAC
WHAT IS SD I-PAC?
SD I-PAC is the Independent Agents Political Action Committee. It is a voluntary, non-profit, unincorporated committee established by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. Its purpose is to contribute to the election campaigns of selected candidates for the South Dakota Legislature and Constitutional offices.
WHY WAS SD I-PAC CREATED?
SD I-PAC was organized to develop more political weight behind the Independent Agent's voice in South Dakota. All state legislators affect the private insurance system in South Dakota regardless of their district. SD I-PAC has the role of providing financial support to selected candidates for Constitutional office, the State Senate, and House of Representatives, where it is needed.
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SD I-PAC AND IIASD?
SD I-PAC functions independently of IIASD, however, the impetus for organizing SD I-PAC came from IIASD members.
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SD I-PAC AND INSURPAC?
SD I-PAC and InsurPac (IIAA Political Action Committee) are completely independent of each other. SD I-PAC's role is concerned solely with the South Dakota Senate, House of Representatives and elected officials at the state level. InsurPac concentrates on national offices and the congress.
WHO WILL SELECT THE CANDIDATES FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT?
The steering committee of SD I-PAC. Monies expended by the organization will be available for review by any participating member on request and is reported to the IIASD Board of Directors. Also, information can be obtained from the Campaign Reporting Division of the South Dakota Secretary of State's office.
MAY I MAKE ONE CHECK PAYABLE TO SD I-PAC WITH A PORTION DESIGNATED FOR NAPAC?
No, because of varied reporting requirements. With InsurPac addressing itself to the national issues and SD I-PAC focusing on the South Dakota State Legislature and Constitutional Officers, it is required that two separate checks be written.
MAY I MAKE A CORPORATE CONTRIBUTION TO SD I-PAC?
No, corporations are expressly forbidden to contribute to any candidate or political party.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I CONTRIBUTE?
You'll have to decide for yourself how much you should contribute to SD I-PAC.
Consider these points:
- Your contribution is an investment in the future of the state of South Dakota, the insurance industry here, your agency business operations within that industry, and every job based on those agency business operations.
- There is no suggested minimum on your contribution/investment. Pitch in what you can afford!
- It sometimes helps to ask yourself: "How much is this business and this job worth to me?"
IS SD I-PAC AFFILIATED WITH ANY POLITICAL PARTY?
No, SD I-PAC is a nonpartisan organization.
HOW WILL CANDIDATES BE SELECTED FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT?
Candidates will be selected on the basis of their support of the private enterprise system of insurance. Other criteria will be their need for funds and their knowledge of the insurance industry.
HOW CAN I JOIN SD I-PAC?
By making an annual contribution you become a member of SD I-PAC. SD I-PAC members will be recognized at the annual convention and in the newsletter--The Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota Bulletin.
WHAT ADVANTAGE IS THERE IN CONTRIBUTING TO A CANDIDATE THROUGH SD I-PAC RATHER THAN GIVING DIRECTLY?
SD I-PAC is able to study the campaigns of all districts and provide support in key situations. Contributing to SD I-PAC does not reduce the need for you to actively participate in elections held in your own district at local, state and national levels.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?
Take your choice: If you want more information on SD I-PAC, call or write to the Pierre office, you'll get answers promptly. But if you're satisfied with what you now know about SD I-PAC, mail your contribution now. You'll be supporting your views and beliefs with practical political action. Do it today!
