PAC Process Gives Members a Voice, Puts Candidates Under the Microscope

12/18/2011

Nothing is more important to the IFT than advocating for members. A critical way the union does that is by working to elect legislators in Springfield and Washington D.C. who are dedicated to standing up for the best interests of IFT members and all working families.

With the March 20, 2012 Primary Election just around the corner, the 
IFT is working to determine which 
candidates merit the union’s support. That is why the union has worked diligently over many years to develop and refine a Political Action Committee (PAC) process that involves members at every level of the union.

Throughout January, IFT members in 18 regional PAC committees representing all areas of the state will convene to review candidates and conduct personal interviews. The PACs will determine where candidates stand on the issues important to IFT members and whether or not they deserve the union’s endorsement. PAC members will use voting records, position papers, questionnaires submitted by candidates and incumbents, and other information before making recommendations to endorse candidates in their local 
areas. A 60 percent or better 
voting record on IFT issues 
is the standard threshold 
for endorsement.

After regional endorsements are decided, the statewide PAC 
committee will meet on January 21 to finalize a list of statewide
endorsements for the IFT Executive Board to consider for approval.

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REGIONAL PAC MEETING SCHEDULE
Senate Districts 2, 6, 20
No Meeting

Senate Districts 7, 8, 9
Thursday, Jan. 5 - 9 a.m. - IFT Local 1274 Office

Senate Districts 10, 28, 39
Thursday, Jan. 12 - 4:30 p.m. - Rosewood Restaurant, Rosemont - CANCELED

Senate Districts 1, 3, 5

TBD

Senate Districts 14, 18, 19
Tuesday, Jan. 10 - 5:45 p.m. - IFT Local 943 Office

Senate Districts 13, 15, 17
Tuesday, Jan. 10 - 4:30 p.m. - CCTU Office

Senate Districts 23, 25, 42
Tuesday, Jan. 10 - 4:30 p.m. - IFT Westmont Office

Senate Districts 21, 24, 41
Tuesday, Jan. 10 - TBD - IFT Westmont Office

Senate Districts 4, 1:001, 12, 16
Thursday, Jan. 5 - 2 p.m. - CTU

Senate Districts 26, 29, 30, 31
Thursday, Jan. 12 - 4:00 p.m. - IFT Local 504 Office - CANCELED
RESCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY JAN. 18 - 4:00 P.M.

Senate Districts 22, 27, 33
Tuesday, Jan. 17 - 4:00 p.m. - IFT Local 1211 Office

Senate Districts 32, 34, 35, 45
Wednesday, Jan. 11 - 4:30 p.m. - IFT Local 540 Office

Senate Districts 38, 40, 43, 49
Tuesday, Jan. 10 - 5:00 p.m. - AFT Local 604 Office

Senate Districts 36, 37, 46
Wednesday, Jan. 11 - 4:30 p.m. - Labor Temple, Peoria

Senate Districts 44, 47, 48, 50
Tuesday, Jan. 17 - 5:30 p.m. - IFT Legislative Office

Senate Districts 51, 52, 53
Monday, Jan. 16 - 5:30 p.m. - IFT Champaign Office

Senate Districts 55, 58, 59
TBD

Senate Districts 54, 56, 57
Wednesday, Jan. 4 - 4:30 p.m. - IFT Fairview Heights Office

Statewide
TBD