Affiliated Republican advocacy groups formed with the help of Ed Gillespie, former chairman of the Republican National Committee, and Karl Rove, an adviser to President George W. Bush.
Players Guide
Who are the people and groups behind the TV ads in the 2014 federal elections? Below is a list of organizations that have been active or are expected to be active in raising and spending money to influence voters in 2014. Click on the links to read profiles of each organization. The groups were selected based on the amounts they have spent, or say they plan to spend, or the media attention they have attracted. It is not a comprehensive list, and additional groups will be added as the campaign season unfolds.
Many of these groups may legally raise and spend unlimited amounts of money. They are known as super PACs and must register with the Federal Election Commission. Others may legally raise unlimited donations and avoid disclosing their donors. Those groups do not file with the FEC, but register rather with the IRS under Section 501(c).
This is our third year providing a guide to groups seeking to influence federal elections. Our 2010 Players Guide and 2012 Players Guide are still available, although they have not been updated since those elections ended.
Senate Conservatives Fund/Senate Conservatives Action
Conservative PACs aiming to elect “true” conservatives to Congress and defeat incumbent Republicans that fall short of that standard.
Congressional Leadership Fund
A super PAC focused on maintaining and expanding the Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
A nonprofit trade group that advocates a pro-business agenda.
Americans for Prosperity
A major force behind the tea party movement, this conservative/libertarian group was founded by billionaire businessman David Koch.
Senate Majority PAC
A Democratic super PAC created to “protect and expand the Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate.”
Club for Growth Action
The super PAC of the conservative Club for Growth, which advocates for limited government.
FreedomWorks for America
A conservative super PAC that helped foster the tea party movement.
House Majority PAC
A super PAC focused on returning Democrats to the majority in the House.
American Bridge 21st Century
A liberal super PAC that conducts opposition research for Democratic candidates and organizations.