Two of the most common questions I receive as the NAA Political Action Committee (NAAPAC) Chair are: "Why is this important?" and, "What do you do with the NAAPAC contributions?"

The cost of running a congressional campaign has increased significantly over the years, which is one reason the fundraising cycle seems to never end. I think I can't wait until the election is over so I don't have to hear or read or see another fundraising solicitation, but I am wrong. It is a nonstop cycle. So what do the candidates do with their campaign contributions?

In 2014, the average cost of a U.S. House campaign was $721,000 and the average cost of a Senate campaign was $2.738 million. The most expensive campaign that year was Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who ran in Kentucky at a cost of $30 million. 

NAAPAC contributed the maximum amount allowed to McConnell's election-$10,000. We are one of many associations that contributed to McConnell's campaign, so what makes us important? Our NAA members in Kentucky have established a strong relationship with McConnell by hosting direct giving fundraisers and hand delivering the NAAPAC contribution. The NAAPAC is a vehicle for us to educate members of Congress and advocate for the issues that impact our industry. We have all seen recent examples of how harmful government can be to our industry, so it is critically important that our voice be heard.

There's an old saying, "It's hard to make a friend when you need a friend." This is why a strong national PAC is so important to our industry. The NAAPAC is a critical tool to our advocacy efforts that provides us the ability to develop relationships with Congress. 

—Robert Tinning, NAAPAC Chairman, Churchill Residential

Cost Breakdown

Administrative:                 $920,000

Fundraising:                     $993,000

Strategy/Research:        $1.4 million

Incidentals/Petty Cash:  $2.6 million

Media:                        $19.7 million