Analysis Identifies New Paradigm in Candidate-Super PAC Collaboration

Candidates are working closer than ever with nominally “independent” groups like super PACs to fundraise, collaborate on messaging, and more ahead of 2016, according to a new Brennan Center analysis. This is the first election post-Citizens United that candidates fully understand the range of activities now permitted under a broken campaign finance regime with lackluster enforcement — and they’re taking full advantage. Candidates are:

• Delaying official campaign announcements to avoid regulations that apply to candidates;
• Transferring top campaign staff to work for supportive super PACs;
• Actively fundraising for super PACs that support them with unprecedented volume and publicity;
• Expressly coordinating with candidates on messaging;
• Using outside groups to serve basic campaign functions, beyond their traditional roles of buying television and mail advertisements.

Read the full analysis, Candidates & Super PACs: The New Model in 2016.