Wide array of PACs helped finance Rhode Island campaigns

PROVIDENCE — The millions of dollars that flowed into Rhode Island campaigns this year to become political mailers, television ads and consultants’ pay came from a wide variety of sources, from locals giving a few bucks over the internet to billionaire CEOs signing checks at glitzy fundraisers.

It also came directly from unions, corporations, trade associations and advocacy groups with a stake in government policy via state-registered political action committees with names like the East Providence Firefighters Local 850 PAC, The NRA Political Victory Fund PAC and the COCA-COLA Refreshments USA RI Nonpartisan PAC For Good Government.

PACs, particularly from corporations, have a bad name in some political quarters. A number of potential 2020 Democratic presidential candidates have promised not to take donations from company PACs, and in Rhode Island, unsuccessful Democratic gubernatorial candidate Matt Brown swore off corporate PAC money this year.

But on the state level, corporate PAC spending makes up a relatively modest chunk of the campaign cash that flowed through this election season.

Read more: http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20181209/political-scene-wide-array-of-pacs-helped-finance-ri-campaigns