Date of Award
8-1992
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Helenan S. Robin
Second Advisor
Dr. Chester Rogers
Third Advisor
Dr. Alan Isaak
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
A survey was conducted of all political action committees (PACs) registered with the Secretary of State's Office in Michigan for the 1986 and 1990 Statewide elections. A portrait of the structure of the organization, decision making criteria, and solicitation techniques of Michigan PACs has been developed from the survey data.
Most PACs in Michigan tend to be infant organizations because they are cyclical in nature, forming and dissolving around election periods. They tend to form around economic issues; have no specific PAC office; no permanent staff; have little or no office budget; fund their activities through direct mail solicitation; focus their contributions on State House and State Senate elections; and dissolve shortly after the election cycle. In the 1990 survey, a subdivision of the above categories demonstrates some different characteristics among the following PAC types: (a) Labor, (b) Professional and Trade, (c) Party, (d) Non-connected, and (e) Corporate PACs.
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Keeley I., "Political Action Committees in the State of Michigan" (1992). Masters Theses. 844.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/844