IIABA Says Its PAC Hit A Record Level

WASHINGTON–The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America said today that it raised a record $901,000 for its political action committee in 2008.

Robert Rusbuldt, president and chief executive officer of the IIABA, said the trade group hopes to surpass the $1 million mark for its InsurPac committee in 2009.

For the two-year election cycle, InsurPac will close the books with over $1.73 million in receipts, “maintaining its presence as the largest property-casualty political action committee,” trade group officials said.

During that same time, 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, IIABA officials said.

“InsurPac donors can be extremely proud of how effectively their donations have been put to use,” said Nathan Riedel, IIABA vice president for political affairs.

“Very few PACs can claim such a high winning percentage when distributing so much money,” he said.

Mr. Rusbuldt said 2008 marked the eighth consecutive year that InsurPac has grown.

“Our membership has always prided itself on political engagement, and the continued growth of InsurPac says that we're not slowing down anytime soon,” he said.

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, IIABA officials said.