ALEXANDRIA, Va. — If the results of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores polication action committee is any indication, pharmacy advocates’ efforts to engage with candidates leading up to the 2012 elections have paid off.
In a memo to members on Friday, NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson reported that so far 92% of the House of Representatives candidates and 93% of the Senate candidates backed by NACDS-PAC won their seat.
NACDS-PAC’s involvement in the 2011-2012 congressional election cycle totaled $932,100, according to Anderson. That figure reflects $315,100 raised and distributed by NACDS-PAC to candidate committees, leadership PACs and party committees, as well as $617,000 raised through 35 fundraising events in support of candidates.
The funds raised supported 87 candidates for the House and 15 candidates for the Senate. By party affiliation, NACDS-PAC supported 57 Republican congressional candidates and 45 Democratic congressional candidates.
"In determining candidates to support, NACDS-PAC considers — among other criteria — the candidate’s position or voting record on issues affecting the growth and sustainability of pharmacy, the integrity and character of the candidate, the candidate’s leadership or policy-shaping position within his or her party, and the presence of NACDS members in a candidate’s state or district," Anderson said in the memo.
Of NACDS-PAC-supported candidates for the House, 77 won, seven lost and three races remain undecided. Among the Senate candidates supported by the PAC, 14 won and one lost.
A get-out-the-vote initiative by RxImpact, NACDS’ advocacy program, also helped drive the successful election performance, Anderson added.
"In addition to NACDS-PAC’s engagement in the congressional elections, the NACDS RxImpact grassroots program executed its get-out-the-vote program: NACDS RxImpact Votes," he stated. "Through NACDS RxImpact Votes, NACDS presented resources designed to help member companies and other allies in their efforts to encourage volunteerism for political campaigns and to encourage registering to vote and turning out on Election Day."
Anderson also called on members to keep up their pro-patient and pro-pharmacy advocacy efforts by continuing to engage with policymakers, especially as new faces take office.
"With at least 74 new members of Congress headed to Washington, D.C., and likely more given that several races remain undecided, our efforts to educate Congress about the value of pharmacy will prove vital," he noted. "NACDS will continue to raise awareness of the importance of hosting pharmacy and headquarters tours for members of Congress, writing to Congress on timely issues and more. We hope you will mark your calendar for NACDS RxImpact Day on Capitol Hill, which will be held in Washington, D.C., on March 13 to 14, 2013. In addition, NACDS RxImpact stands ready to present grassroots advocacy training for your company’s personnel at your convenience."
