WEEK 5

Super PACs and Special Interest Groups

BREAKING NEWS

Mike Pence Drops Out of the Republican Primary Race

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence ended his presidential campaign on Saturday. He decided to drop out of the republican primary race for the 2024 election after struggling to raise money and gain traction in votes.

HAWX NEWS ENDORSES NIKKI HALEY FOR THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES

Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina, has officially been endorsed by Hawx News for Republican Presidential Nominee in the 2024 election. Haley, 51, is well known for her work in reproductive health, giving more access to contraceptives while limiting abortions (except in the case of rape or incest.) Some of her main campaign focuses include implementing carbon capturing in response to climate change, classroom transparency, and the Economic Freedom Plan (which would limit federal spending.)

The SFA Fund

Nikki Haley's Super PAC

As we continue our coverage of the 2024 Republican presidential primary race in the final weeks of the election simulation, Hawx News spoke with the representatives of the SFA Fund. The SFA Fund, also known as "Stand for America," participated in the Election Simulation Interest Group/Super PAC Rally this past week. The super political action committee (Super PAC) representatives shared their thoughts with Hawx News, particularly around their support of Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and one of the 2024 Republican presidential primary candidates.

The SFA Fund supports Haley because "she is ensuring a better future for us all and she is the only candidate that really cares about America's future." The SFA Fund is focused on positioning Haley - the only woman in the Republican presidential primary race - as a different option and someone who is "open-minded despite her personal beliefs." One of the Super PAC’s representatives honed in on Haley's position regarding abortion, highlighting a recent speech where "[Haley] said she does not support abortion being illegal and she wants to make sure that we all agree on how to deal with abortion before any decisions are made on it...she understands it is a very personal decision…and that woman should not go to jail or even be on death row for getting an abortion."

Haley has previously stated that she is pro-life, supports adoptions, and believes in increasing the availability of contraceptives while limiting abortions. As she mentioned to Hawx News earlier at the Election Simulation Kick-Off Rally, “My main goals are to limit abortion but make contraceptives more available.”

SUPER PACS

TRUMP SAVE AMERICA

Donald Trump's Super PAC

A large political organization heavily supporting Donald Trump, Trump Save America’s main mission is to support Trump throughout his campaign. One way they hope to do this is by raising funds for Trump’s ads to better publicize his mission. They support his stances on issues pertaining to LGBTQ+ and sexual rights, education, and gun control to name a few. With education, for example, Trump Save America wholly believes that it is a right to be given to the parents of young American children rather than in the hands of a principal or an education administration. Trump believes that LGBTQ+ education should not be taught in schools and is an unnecessary topic in education (with Trump Save America also backing Trump on his stance). As for gun control, the leadership PAC believes in greater firearm provisions for American citizens such as teachers in order for them to protect themselves, as well as proponents of the idea of a stricter, tighter border separating the US from Mexico in order to reduce gun and gang violence. In an interview, the leadership PAC summarizes their overall goals, “We want to help reelect Trump, to help him win the Republican primaries election and the 2024 presidential election.”

NEVER BACK DOWN

RON DESANTIS' SUPER PAC

In a recent interview with The Hawx News, the Super Political Action Committee (PAC) “Never Back Down” outlined its mission, endorsed candidate, and stance on healthcare.

Mission:

The Super PAC’s mission revolves around “advancing the cause of civil rights, social justice, and equal opportunity for all Americans.” To ensure a future of freedom, they aim to avoid repeating the same mistakes of the past. The organization maintains that its primary objective is to support candidates and policies that align with these principles.

Candidate Support:

Never Back Down openly backs Governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, citing his commitment to equality, justice, and social progress: “DeSantis is a true leader who actually takes action in the fight for freedom.” In his notable journey toward bringing America to success, they claim that people will respond to his leadership and apparent competence.

Healthcare Stance:

Never Back Down seeks to ensure “access to quality healthcare services, including mental health.” Additionally, they emphasized the importance of healthcare affordability, noting the need to invest in healthcare infrastructure. In support of DeSantis, the Super PAC holds a preference for market-driven solutions to address healthcare issues.

BEST OF AMERICA

DOUG BURGUM'S SUPER PAC

Best of America is a super political action committee (PAC) supporting Republican presidential primary candidate Doug Burgum. They endorse Burgum because they agree with his policies and actions during his term as North Dakota governor. During their interview with Hawx News, the Super PAC commented, “We believe that Doug Burgum has done an exceptional job at transforming North Dakota into one of the most economically stable and prospering nations in our country.” Best of America supports all of Burgum’s policies, ranging from simplifying legal immigration to cutting taxes to improving the economy. They elaborated, stating, “We support the right to bear arms for law-abiding citizens and the ability to defend ourselves.” During the election simulation, this Super PAC dedicated itself to creating fundraisers and raffles to financially support Burgum’s campaign. At the end of the interview, they commented, “Don’t be smug, vote for Doug!”

TELL IT LIKE IT IS

CHRIS CHRISTIE'S SUPER PAC

This week super pacs and interest groups came together to support the candidates they endorse. I interviewed the super PAC “Tell is like it is”, a super PAC that is endorsing primary candidate Chris Christie as the best candidate to represent the Republican party in the 2024 presidential election. Christie has made waves this election cycle, which is demonstrated by the fact that the Townsend Times has endorsed him this week. Last Wednesday I interviewed Oliva from the “Tell it like it is” super PAC during the interest group rally to give me insight as to why so many people support Christie. She said that their group supports him because “he is an ally and supports LGBTQ rights” as well because of the fact that he wants to “reconstruct the currently inefficient common core system.” The super PAC also highlighted Christie’s interest in improving the mental health of American citizens, as well as improving transportation throughout our country. The group ended the interview with the message “Don’t miss, vote Chris!” Overall, it is clear this candidate has gained a lot of support. With only one week left it will be interesting to see where this goes.

TRUST IN THE MISSION

TIM SCOTT'S SUPER PAC

Trust in the Mission endorses the Republican presidential primary candidate Tim Scott. They support Scott by spreading information about his policies and informing the constituency to vote for him. They also financially support Scott by holding fundraisers in the form of bake sales. This super PAC strives to bridge the wealth gap, balance the scales of justice, and empower the innovation economy. On their Instagram page, they said, “We want to prove that the American dream is alive and ensure a better future for the next generation.” They believe that if Tim Scott is elected, his policies will help enact these changes.

AMERICAN STRONG AND FREE ACTION

Republican Primaries

American Strong and Free Action is the Super PAC that supports the election of Asa Hutchinson in the Republican Presidential Primary. In a recent interview, members of the Super PAC voiced their stances on some of the issues discussed in recent weeks. They noted that they did not support affirmative action stating, “The end of legacy admission as well as financial aid is enough support…” As for crime and public safety, they stated, “We support the funding and training of the police force and believe that the law functions well for protection.” In terms of gun control, they support the second amendment and believe that gun violence is a result of mental illness in the country. Thus, they put support into helping the mentally ill and believe that this will help the issue.

INTEREST GROUPS

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION

The National Rifle Association’s mission is to “activate for firearm safety and to advocate for every citizen who’s eligible to receive them.”

The NRA supports all republican candidates for NYC City Council and they “endorse Nikki Haley for Republican primaries.”

In regards to guns, they said, “every citizen who is mentally stable should be able to own a firearm.” They state that background checks “should not be heavily used,” and that “people with certain mental disabilities shouldn’t be able to own firearms.”

Overall, they believe that firearms can “help stop crime.”

AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION

The American Bankers Organization has established themselves since 1875 as a prominent trade organization advancing and advocating for the baking industry. With their headquarters stationed in Washington D.C, they work with large and small banks. Their goal is to “balance protection while fostering economic growth and…aim for fair tax regulations on financial institutions.” They endorse candidates like Nikki Haley and Tim Scott.

Education

The top priority of the ABA is financial education and preaching the importance of smart money management. “We provide four major programs that strengthen personal financial literacy.” Their four programs are as follows: Get Smart About Credit, Teach Children to Save, Safe Banking for Seniors, and Lights, Camera, Save! All programs are aimed to help people of all ages understand finances, establish safe financial habits, and to protect your money.

LQBTQ+

In regards to their stance on the LGBTQ+ the ADA states, “We place ZERO restrictions on LGBTQ+ members and respective individuals.” Through their frontline compliance program, they provide resources to diversify banks. For this they have received the DEI award, which acknowledges and celebrates exemplary leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community. They foster an inclusive environment.

Gun Violence

The ADA endorses candidates like Nikki Haley and Tim Scott, who believe there should be no restrictions on gun rights. Haley says. “The government shouldn't be trusted in regulating gun laws, especially red flag laws.” They support candidates who want to focus on mental health services and removing illegal gun vendors off the streets, while ensuring school officers and upstanding citizens can bear arms to defend themselves. “Focusing on teaching people how to be safe and responsible with guns needs to be the priority.” Haley reinforces.

Influence

The American Bankers Association is an incredibly productive and influential super PAC. With their support, they are increasing the largest issue concerning our country: the economy. Uncreating financial education and literacy for citizens helps us all succeed. If this didn’t persuade you already, support the ADA on election day.

CLUB FOR GROWTH

Hawx News interviewed Club for Growth at the Special Interest Group and Super PAC rally this past Wednesday. Club for Growth is an interest group advocating to “put more money into peoples’ pockets.” They aim to do this by enacting tax cuts and advocating for freer markets, which drive competition and ultimately drive prices down, benefiting the average American. Club for Growth endorses Republican presidential candidates Ron Desantis and Tim Scott.

Health Care & Abortion / LGBTQ+ & Sexual Rights
Regarding health care, Club for Growth wants to “repeal Obamacare because it is too expensive for the American people and replace it with an improved form of Medicare.” Club for Growth believes in government regulation of healthcare, adding their wishes that it will be made cheaper. They did not make their own stance on abortion or LGBTQ+ & sexual rights but deferred to the stances of their endorsed candidates.

Education & Affirmative Action
As for education, the chairman of Club for Growth stated that they “prefer having more choice for American students as we believe that the public education system is failing [them], one of our goals is to remove the U.S. Department of Education and have the private sector deal with it.” They are in favor of an increase in charter schools and giving more power to the parents over their child’s education. Club for Growth made no stance on affirmative action.

Crime & Public Safety / Transportation / Gun Violence
The Club for Growth chairman theorized that if prices were lowered, cases of robbery would be disincentivized and would therefore decrease. Regarding the issues of transportation and gun violence, Club for Growth deferred to the stances of their endorsed candidates.

AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION

The American Family Association (AFA) is an interest organization whose constant goal is to advance Christian values and ideas throughout the country. In an earlier interview during the Interest Group / Super PAC rally, although the AFA doesn’t endorse any candidates specifically, the AFA emphasized its commitment to advancing Christian values.

AFA declares its intention to support those who share its views on Christianity and LGBTQ+ rights, even if it does not formally endorse any one candidate. Their attitude toward LGBTQ+ problems is consistent with their Christian beliefs, emphasizing the defense of traditional family structures and freedoms of religion.

The AFA's pro-life stance originates from their connection with biblical ideals, which has led to them being strong champions for the sanctity of life. In addition to its pro-life stance, the AFA advocates for inexpensive healthcare, emphasizing the necessity of accessible medical services in protecting the health and well-being of all Americans.

In matters of public safety, the AFA is adamantly opposed to gun control laws, arguing that people need to be able to carry guns for self-defense. They agree with the saying that "the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," highlighting the significance of taking personal defense into account.

While the American Family Association is motivated by its Christian purpose, it remains a powerful advocate for a set of values that, in its opinion, contribute to the overall moral fabric of American society. Their steadfast dedication to these ideals guarantees that the AFA will always have a prominent role in the continuing conversations on vital subjects.