To run for president there are two almost exclusive requirements. Launch an inspirational autobiography in the years leading up to the election and then launch a fundraising committee. Mike Pence already crossed the first condition off his list in after launching
So Help Me God
his first book. As for the second, although it will not yet create any organization, a Super PAC in its favor would be arriving by mid-May.
This was confessed to POLITICO by an advisor to the former vice president, who also said that they are in talks with consultants and activists in the first states of the Republican primary calendar. It is no secret to anyone that Pence is seriously considering entering the presidential race, where he would challenge Donald Trump.
The Super PAC would arrive only to reconfirm his intentions, which, according to the Republican, would be made public "well before June". "I promise that when we have something to announce, I'll let you know, but I will tell you that we are receiving a tremendous amount of encouragement"he added in that interview. A second testimony to POLITICO revealed that the organization would be up and running "shortly".
Pence has the Iowa primary between his eyebrows. Winning there undoubtedly boosts any campaign and the former governor is already taking advice in this regard. His initial strategy is being shaped by Chip Saltsman, the architect of Mike Huckabee 's 2008 primary victory in The Hawkeye State .
What is a Super PAC?
This is a type of political action committee (PAC) that was born after a Supreme Court decision in 2010, SpeechNow.org v. Federal Election Commission. They can collect money from individuals, unions, associations and corporations, and then spend it as they please for or against political candidates. In this case, that candidate would be Mike Pence.
Unlike traditional PACs, they are prohibited from donating directly to political candidates and their spending must not be coordinated with that of the candidates they benefit. In addition, they are required to report their donors, on a monthly or semi-annual basis, to the Federal Election Commission. In an election year, reports are due every month.
This is the main difference they have with 501(c)4 organizations, which are managed by the candidates themselves, do not pay federal income taxes and are not required to disclose the names of their donors. For example,
Chris Sununu
governor of New Hampshire, recently launched
Live Free or Die
a similar organization to test the waters for a possible presidential bid.
