Q: What is Personal PAC?
A: Personal PAC is a nonpartisan political action committee (“PAC”) dedicated to electing pro-choice candidates in Illinois. Since 1978, Personal PAC has been giving financial and volunteer support to pro-choice candidates throughout Illinois.
Q: Why are there no federal candidates endorsed?
A: We are a state PAC. We do not endorse candidates in federal races or contribute resources to federal candidates.
Q: Do you provide abortion services?
A: No, please visit Family Planning Associates (http://fpachicago.com/) or www.plannedparenthood.org for more information about obtaining reproductive health services.
Q: What are my options if I’m under 18 and can’t tell my parents I’m pregnant and want an abortion?
A: You can visit http://ilbypasscoordinationproject.org/ to learn about the judicial bypass process in Illinois.
Q: Are donations tax deductible?
A: Contributions are not tax deductible because we are a political organization that is involved directly in elections.
Q: How does Personal PAC decide which candidates to endorse?
A: We only consider a candidate’s positions on issues relating to reproductive rights and healthcare. Endorsement decisions are based on that sole criterion.
Q: Why is Personal PAC nonpartisan?
A: Personal PAC is nonpartisan because reproductive choice will only be fully safeguarded when it enjoys support across both political parties. As long as access to reproductive health care is viewed as a partisan issue, it will never be settled and can always be threatened. This is true historically regarding many important issues over the past century.
We need to increase support for reproductive rights in Illinois among Democrats and Republicans. Our goal is to achieve prochoice majorities of both Republicans and Democrats in the Illinois House and the Illinois Senate.
Q: When will I get my voters’ guide?
A: It will arrive via snail mail and email approximately a month before the election. It is also available on our website.
Q: How do I find out what district I live in?
A: Contact your local County Clerk’s Office, or visit the Illinois State Board of Elections District/Official Search.
Q: Why give to a PAC rather than directly to the candidate?
A: Your Personal PAC dollars will do far more than just elect one individual pro-choice candidate. By giving to Personal PAC, you will be supporting a coordinated statewide strategy designed to elect a pro-choice majority in Illinois. In addition, your Personal PAC contribution will be identified as a contribution to support reproductive choice. Candidates who receive support from Personal PAC will know that we support them because of their pro-choice position, and that we will expect them to continue supporting reproductive health policies once they are elected.
Q: What about other pro-choice groups?
A: There are many wonderful pro-choice groups, reproductive health care providers and organizations in Illinois whose wider agenda includes support and advocacy for reproductive rights. However, Personal PAC is the only organization in Illinois that is dedicated solely to the recruitment, comprehensive support, and election of pro-choice candidates to state and local office.
Personal PAC’s mission is simple, straightforward, and has proven to be effective: elect pro-choice candidates who will protect the right to choose. Other states around Illinois and across the nation that do not have the electoral focus of an organization like Personal PAC are facing dire consequences as a result.