The American Podiatric Medical Association Political Action Committee, also known as APMAPAC (formerly the Podiatry Political Action Committee, PPAC), is a nonprofit, bipartisan fundraising committee through which podiatrists support federal candidates who champion Podiatric Medicine’s issues before the U.S. Congress.
Because of the efforts of APMAPAC and its parent organization, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), the profession has gained a national presence as a political force in Washington, D.C. APMAPAC currently ranks 5th in terms of contributions to Congress out of 97 political action committees (PACs) currently representing health care professions in Washington, D.C. APMAPAC was outranked only by PACs representing much larger organizations, such as the American Medical Association and the American Dental Association, with whom APMA works closely on many issues.
APMAPAC does not determine the issues to be addressed on behalf of the profession. That is the role of APMA’s Legislative Committee, Board of Directors, and Legislative Advocacy Department. APMAPAC’s role is to support candidates seeking Congressional office in the U.S. House and Senate. The only other legal means for such support is through contributions made directly to a candidate by an individual.
WHO OVERSEES APMAPAC? A Board of Directors that is independent of APMA’s Board of Trustees governs APMAPAC. The directors, with help from members of the APMAPAC National Coordinating Committee and student APMAPAC coordinators, volunteer their time to raise funds for political action.
APMAPAC operates under the guidelines of federal election laws established in 1971, which require that all receipts and disbursements be reported to the Federal Election Commission. The legality and function of APMAPAC and other federal PACs are protected and prescribed by Federal law.
WHO RECEIVES APMAPAC SUPPORT? Funds collected by APMAPAC are, in turn, contributed to Congressional candidates, selected without regard to political party. Only candidates seeking a seat in the U.S. House or Senate may be recipients of APMAPAC funds. Candidate support is based on:
A Candidate’s Congressional Committee Appointment – As an incumbent, does the candidate serve on a committee that has jurisdiction over federal health policy?
A Candidate’s Position on Issues – Does the incumbent candidate support Podiatric Medicine’s issues? Is he or she accessible to APMA members and lobbyists? If a candidate is a non-incumbent, was he or she supportive in the state or local governing structure?
APMA Member Backing – Does the candidate have the backing of APMA members in his/her district?
During the 2008 election cycle, APMAPAC contributed $636,100 to 245 candidates, $59,525 to thirty Senators seeking re-election in 2010 and 2012, $132,000 to thirty candidate leadership PACs, and $20,000 to the four national party committees. All told, a total of $829,625 was contributed. All but five recipients were incumbents, i.e., current Members of Congress seeking re-election, and 96% of those supported won election to Congress in 2008.
WHO MAY GIVE TO APMAPAC? APMA members and staff, including students, their family members, and members and staff of APMA’s affiliated organizations may contribute to APMAPAC. Contributions must be from personal funds if they are to be used for contributions to candidates for federal election. Corporate contributions received are designated to the APMA Government Education Fund, which is used for political education and PAC administrative costs. Contributions to APMAPAC must be voluntary and do not qualify for an income tax deduction.
APMA's Federal Advocacy Information - Provides information about APMA's legislative advocacy activities supporting the federal political agenda of APMA. If you would like to make a contribution to APMAPAC (formerly PPAC), click here. You can also contact the FPMA APMAPAC representative, Barney Greenberg, DPM , if you need additional information.
