Name recognition becomes a really important thing. And the way to get name recognition increased is through direct mail, through radio, through all of those different mediums that cost money. In an issue-based election, it is easier to mobilize the membership base. Some of the most prominent Iowa industries have PACs listed in the state registry. The committee evaluates candidates using benchmarks on chosen issues and analyzes voting records.
Campaign contributions are generally bipartisan.
PACs have been scrutinized since a U.S. Senate Committee uncovered campaign violations following the Watergate scandal. President Clinton sought to limit PAC contributions but his proposed legislation was defeated in 1994. Despite the reform efforts, the Federal Election Commission reported the number of PACs burgeoned from 480 in 1974 to more than 4,000 by 1992. Despite restrictions at the federal level, Iowa has no monetary limitation on PAC contributions. And the gubernatorial candidates cannot receive contributions for 30 days after the Legislature has adjourned, because the governor still has bills to sign.