Eleanor Finch
Working on a political campaign is a unique experience, and there are many different entities you could work for. These include umbrella party organizations, such as the Democratic National Committee or Republican National Committee, or blanket campaign organizations, like the NRCC or DCCC. You could also work for an independent political entity, like a union or trade organization, a PAC or SuperPAC, or a law firm specializing in election law. Each of these entities has different requirements and regulations they must follow, such as tax filings and contribution limits. For example, partnerships and LLCs have specific rules around how they can contribute to campaign committees, and political organizations are required to file periodic reports with the IRS.
Characteristics and Values of a Business Entity for a Political Campaign
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tax requirements | Political organizations are subject to tax under IRC Section 527 and must file periodic reports. |
| Legal considerations | Compliance with FEC regulations and campaign finance laws at the state and local levels. |
| Entity structure | Options include umbrella party organizations, blanket campaign organizations, independent political entities, PACs, Super PACs, campaign vendors, law firms, and non-profits. |
| Resources | Campaigns must strategize resource allocation, including staff dedicated to surrogate management and targeting specific voter groups. |
| Job opportunities | Field organizers and field managers are common positions, while policy and communications jobs are less available. |
| Internships and externships | Non-profit and law firm opportunities exist, particularly during election years, with eligibility requirements for students. |
| Contributions | Partnerships and LLCs can contribute, but restrictions apply regarding corporate partners, foreign nationals, and attribution of contributions. |
| Expenditures | Independent expenditure committees in California must spend at least $1,000 per year, while major donor committees contribute a minimum of $10,000 annually. |
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What You'll Learn
- Political campaign jobs: work for a single candidate, umbrella party, or independent entity
- Cover letters: explain what you want to do on the campaign and your flexibility
- Surrogates: public figures enlisted to speak or appear on behalf of a candidate
- Campaign finance: understand the rules for contributions and expenditures
- Campaign rules: learn about the regulations for state and local candidates and committees
Political campaign jobs: work for a single candidate, umbrella party, or independent entity
Working on a political campaign can be a unique experience, and there are many different roles to choose from. Campaigns are often large, coordinated efforts, so there are multiple types of roles available.
Working for a Single Candidate
Working for a specific candidate means you will be dedicated to one politician and their campaign. This could be a local, state, or federal candidate. You could work as a field organizer, fundraiser, or communications staff member. Field teams contact voters, assemble supporters, and create events in particular geographic regions. They help register voters, deliver campaign literature and other information, and are responsible for getting supporters to the polls on election day. Fundraisers generate the cash that allows the candidate to spread their message, and communications staff are responsible for public manifestations of the campaign's message.
Working for an Umbrella Party
You could also work for an umbrella party organization, such as the Democratic National Committee or Republican National Committee. These groups are not dedicated to a single candidate but instead work to support a particular party and its candidates across the board.
Working for an Independent Entity
There are also campaign jobs with independent political entities, such as the political fund of a union or trade organization, or issue-oriented nonprofits. You could also work for a PAC or SuperPAC, which are independent political action committees. These organizations are not tied to a specific candidate or party but instead focus on specific issues or goals.
Other Options
There are also campaign jobs that do not fall into the above categories. You could work for a campaign vendor that services multiple candidates, or for a law firm with an election law or campaign practice. These firms serve officeholders, candidates, and partisan organizations with ballot access and campaign finance compliance. There are also nonpartisan nonprofits that work on voters' access to the electoral process and electoral issues.
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Cover letters: explain what you want to do on the campaign and your flexibility
When applying for a role on a political campaign, it is important to include a cover letter that outlines what you want to do on the campaign and how flexible you are willing to be.
Firstly, you should state clearly and concisely what you would like to do on the campaign. Campaign jobs can vary widely, from working directly with one candidate to working for an umbrella party organization, a campaign vendor, or a law firm with an election law practice. You could be managing the day-to-day operations of a campaign, including raising money, promoting candidates, and communicating with voters and supporters. You could also be working in a more specialized role, such as surrogate management, where you would coordinate the appearances and talking points of public figures who speak on behalf of the candidate.
Secondly, it is important to express your flexibility. Campaign jobs are often fast-paced and ever-changing, and campaign personnel may be overburdened. Including a willingness to take on a variety of tasks, such as field organizing or management, can make your application more appealing. It is also important to explicitly mention the candidate and express your support for them, rather than focusing solely on your experience and qualifications.
> Dear Hiring Manager,
>
> I am writing to express my interest in the Political Campaign Manager position at XYZ Political Group. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work with your team because of your dedication to promoting progressive values and candidates. As a passionate advocate for social justice and environmental causes, I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to help create meaningful change in the political landscape.
>
> In my previous role, I helped increase voter turnout by 20% in a historically low-turnout district through targeted digital outreach and data-driven field operations. I believe my analytical skills and experience in utilizing data to make informed decisions would be a valuable asset to your campaign. I am also willing to take on a variety of tasks and am eager to support the candidate and their platform in any way I can.
>
> Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of working together to create winning campaigns for candidates who share our commitment to building a better world.
>
> Sincerely,
> [Your Name]
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Surrogates: public figures enlisted to speak or appear on behalf of a candidate
When it comes to political campaigns, surrogates are an important asset to any candidate. Surrogates are public or quasi-public figures who are enlisted to speak or appear in place of the candidate. They can be members of the candidate's family, well-known public figures, or other elected officials. The role of surrogates is to advocate for the candidate and their platform, helping to reach a wider audience and persuade voters.
Utilizing surrogates can be a strategic move for a campaign, especially when the candidate may not have the time or ability to reach every voter directly. Surrogates can attend events, give speeches, and engage with the public on behalf of the candidate. They lend their credibility and influence to the campaign, reinforcing the candidate's message and values.
For larger campaigns, there may even be dedicated staff who manage surrogate appearances and provide them with speech materials and talking points. This ensures that the surrogate's message aligns closely with that of the candidate, creating a cohesive and consistent campaign narrative. The work involved in managing surrogates is politically sensitive and can be a fascinating aspect of campaign strategy.
It is worth noting that surrogates are just one piece of the puzzle in a political campaign. Campaigns must also consider how to best utilize their resources and target specific voter groups. Additionally, campaigns need to comply with various campaign finance laws and regulations. Working on a political campaign offers a unique experience, and individuals interested in getting involved should consider not only the candidate they wish to support but also the specific role they want to play.
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Campaign finance: understand the rules for contributions and expenditures
Campaign finance laws in the United States govern how much money individuals and organisations can donate to candidates running for federal office. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) enforces the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA), which sets contribution limits for individuals and groups. These limits apply to all types of contributions, except those made from a candidate's personal funds.
Candidates can spend their own money on their campaigns without any restrictions. However, they must report these amounts to the FEC. The FEC also maintains a database of campaign contributions and expenditures, which is publicly available on its website. This database includes information on the names of contributors, the amounts donated, and how the funds are spent by the candidates.
Political parties, campaign committees for federal, state, or local offices, and political action committees (PACs) are all considered political organisations and are subject to tax under IRC Section 527. These organisations are required to file periodic reports, such as Form 8872, disclosing their financial activities. They must also provide detailed information about their contributors, including names, occupations, employers, and addresses for those who donate more than a certain amount.
There are different types of PACs, such as connected and nonconnected PACs. Nonconnected PACs are financially independent and must use the contributions they raise to cover their administrative expenses. Connected PACs, or leadership PACs, are directly associated with elected officials or political parties and can make independent expenditures as long as they are not coordinated with the candidate.
It is important to note that there are loopholes in campaign finance disclosure rules, and some organisations work to aggregate data on political contributions to provide insights into the influence of various groups. Additionally, court rulings, such as Citizens United v. FEC, have removed some restrictions on campaign spending, leading to suggestions for reforms to address the influence of money in politics.
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Campaign rules: learn about the regulations for state and local candidates and committees
When it comes to political campaigns, there are various rules and regulations that state and local candidates and committees must adhere to. These regulations cover a range of topics, from campaign jobs and contributions to filing requirements and transparency in elections. Understanding these rules is essential for anyone considering a career in politics or working on a political campaign.
One key aspect of campaign rules is contribution limits and regulations. The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) imposes limits on contributions to a candidate's campaign, encompassing all types of contributions except those from the candidate's personal funds. Any funds solicited, received, or spent in connection with a recount are subject to these limits, and special procedures must be followed if a campaign receives excessive contributions. Additionally, contributors may designate their contributions for specific elections, and there are rules in place for handling contributions intended for debt retirement. Independent-expenditure-only political committees, often known as "Super PACs," can accept unlimited contributions from various sources.
Another important consideration for state and local candidates and committees is the filing requirements for political organizations. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), political parties, campaign committees for federal, state, or local offices, and political action committees are all considered political organizations under IRC Section 527 and are subject to specific tax regulations. These organizations are generally required to file periodic reports, such as Form 8872, disclosing contributions and expenditures. To electronically file these reports, an organization must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the necessary login credentials from the IRS.
Transparency and fairness in elections are also crucial aspects of campaign rules. In California, for example, the Political Reform Act mandates that candidates and committees disclose contributions received and expenditures made by specified deadlines. These documents are publicly available and subject to audit to ensure compliance with rules and to keep voters informed. Local candidates and committees should also be aware of any additional local requirements or restrictions, such as contribution limits, that may be in place in their specific jurisdictions.
Furthermore, individuals interested in working on political campaigns have a variety of options to consider. They can choose to work specifically for a candidate or explore opportunities with umbrella party organizations, blanket campaign organizations, independent political entities, PACs or Super PACs, campaign vendors, law firms specializing in election law, or nonpartisan nonprofits focused on electoral issues. Cover letters play a significant role in the application process, and candidates should be clear about their interests and flexible in their roles. Field organizers or field managers are often the most numerous and available positions within a campaign team.
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Frequently asked questions
A 527 organization is a tax-exempt political organization that is required to electronically file Form 8872, Political Organization Report of Contributions & Expenditures. Examples of 527 organizations include Progress for America and The Club for Growth.
Examples of business entities that can contribute to political campaigns include partnerships, LLCs, and corporations. However, it is important to note that there are restrictions on contributions from these entities, such as prohibitions on contributions from corporations and foreign nationals.
Yes, there are restrictions on how much a business entity can contribute to a political campaign. For example, a national party committee and its Senatorial campaign committee may contribute up to $62,000 combined per campaign to each Senate candidate. Additionally, there are limits on the types of contributions that can be made, such as prohibitions on contributions from corporations and foreign nationals.
