Big ‘I’ Independent Agents’ InsurPAC Topped $1M in 2013

January 7, 2014

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) said its political action committee, InsurPac, raised a total of $1,007,668 during the 2013 calendar year.

“Surpassing the one million dollar mark in one year is an important accomplishment for InsurPac,” said Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president and CEO. “The Big ‘I’ membership prides itself on political engagement and involvement, and the continued growth of InsurPac is further evidence of this commitment.”

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, InsurPac is one of the “Heavy Hitters” among the country’s PACs– the 140 biggest overall donors to federal elections since the 1990 election cycle.

In disbursing contributions, InsurPac officials say they do not look at party affiliation but support candidates for federal office that have been supportive of the independent agency system.

InsurPac’s federal contributions went 21 percent to Democrats and 79 percent to Republicans as of the end of November, according to the Open Secrets web site run by the Center for Responsive Politics. According to Open Secrets, the top 10 recipients of InsurPac monies through the end of November were the following members of the House of Representatives:

  • Barr, Andy (R-KY) $7,500
  • Carney, John (D-DE) $6,000
  • Hensarling, Jeb (R-TX) $6,000
  • Neugebauer, Randy (R-TX) $6,000
  • Sessions, Pete (R-TX) $6,000
  • Luetkemeyer, Blaine (R-MO) $5,500

More than 20 lawmakers received $5,000.

In addition, InsurPac reported contributions to the Democratic and Republican Congressional and Senatorial Committees of $15,000 each.

In the 2012 election cycle, InsurPac said it distributed more than $1.8 million to senators, representatives and other candidates for federal office. Also in 2012, 84 percent of InsurPac-supported candidates won with 237 victories of the 282 races it supported, the group said.

“Largely due to the power of InsurPac, the Big ‘I’ continues to be one of the most well-respected business associations in Washington, D.C.” said Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of external and government affairs. “InsurPac complements our advocacy efforts and is an excellent example of our members’ political and grassroots influence.”

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