WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 7, 2010 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) today announced that its political action committee, InsurPac, raised a total of $1,006,970.50 during the 2009 calendar year setting a new record for receipts in a calendar year and breaking the one million dollar mark for the first time in one year since its inception.
“Surpassing the one million dollar mark in one year is a huge milestone for InsurPac,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president and CEO. “The Big ‘I’ membership has always prided itself on political engagement, and the continued growth of InsurPac says that we’re not slowing down anytime soon.”
“In part due to the power of InsurPac, the Big ‘I’ continues to be one of the most well-respected business associations in Washington,” says Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of government affairs. “The PAC complements our advocacy efforts and is an excellent example of our members’ political and grassroots clout.”
In 2008, InsurPac broke the previous record by raising $901,985.84. In the 2007-2008 election cycle, over $1.6 million was disbursed to representatives, senators and other candidates for federal office. Ninety-two percent of InsurPac-supported candidates won in 2008 with 222 victories of the 241 races it supported.
“InsurPac donors can be extremely proud of how effectively their donations have been put to use,” says Nathan Riedel, Big “I” vice president for political affairs. “Very few PACs can claim such a high winning percentage and such noteworthy fundraising records. The Big ‘I’ is proud that InsurPac remains the largest property-casualty PAC and has broken records for the 9th consecutive year.”
In disbursing contributions, InsurPac does not look at party affiliation but supports representatives, senators, and candidates for federal office that have been advocates and supportive of the independent agency system.
Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.
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