AAPC Applauds U.S. House of Representatives for Upholding Ethics in Expulsion of George Santos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 1, 2023

 

American Association of Political Consultants Applauds U.S. House of Representatives for Upholding Ethics in Expulsion of George Santos

 

McLean, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) commends the United States House of Representatives for their decisive action in expelling Representative George Santos. This move, marked by bipartisan support, underscores the commitment of our nation’s lawmakers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in public service.

“The expulsion of George Santos from Congress is a significant step in reaffirming the core values of our political system,” said Larry Huynh, President of the AAPC. “Ethics and honesty are paramount in public office, and the AAPC stands firmly behind actions that reinforce these principles.”

Santos, whose tenure in Congress has been marred by controversy and allegations of falsehoods, was expelled following a thorough investigation by the House Ethics Committee. This decision serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of truthfulness and ethical conduct in the political arena.

“As political consultants, we strive to enhance the democratic process by promoting transparency and integrity among consultants and elected officials,” added Kyle Roberts, Vice President of AAPC. “Congress’s action in this matter aligns with our mission to foster an environment where truth and accountability are non-negotiable.”

The AAPC believes that the expulsion of Santos will serve as a deterrent to future misconduct and reinforce the public’s trust in their elected representatives. We remain committed to supporting measures that strengthen the ethical framework of our political system and ensure that those in public office adhere to the highest standards of conduct.

 

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About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has more than 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. The Board of Directors is comprised of thirty-two members, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. The AAPC Foundation supports efforts to protect free speech, defend democracy, and prepare the next generation of political consultants to thrive. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

 

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
+1 703-245-8021
[email protected]

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API Voters: The Rising Political Force – Insights from Bill Wong

Bill Wong is an award winning political consultant with over 30 years of experience working for state legislators, candidates, political action committees, labor organizations, non-profit organizations, and large scale employers.

By: Bill Wong, Bill Wong LLC

An often misunderstood and overlooked voting bloc, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, includes East Asians, Southeast Asians, South Asians, Central Asians, and the indigenous peoples of islands in the Pacific Ocean and far northern coasts of the Arctic Sea.  This community has become the margin of victory in the last two cycles in some of the most hard-fought campaigns in the nation. Nowhere is the API community more diverse and numerically significant than in California.  California has the highest API population, with nearly 7 million Asian Americans.  The state second to California – New York – has only 1.8 million Asian Americans.  Both will be home to battleground races in 2024 that could decide control of the United States Congress.

 

In California, 2.3 million of the APIs are registered voters.  Immediately prior to election day in 2022, API voters had the highest turnout of all major ethnic groups at 24%, beating African American and Latino voters that came in at 21% and 13% respectively. Gone are the days that API voters can be ignored. There’s a passage in my book describing a presentation by John Podesta for Hillary 2016 that I walked out of because they had polling slides for every ethnic group except APIs.  I think that day was an omen to what happens to campaigns that ignore the emergent political power and impact of API voters.

 

Thankfully, AAPC recognizes this changing dynamic as well and has assembled a tremendous line up of Asian American voices today, including: Alex De Ocampo, Cal & D Strategies; Ron Wong, CEO of Imprenta Communications; Catherine Lew, Founder of Lew Edwards Group; Christine Mai Duc, Wall Street Journal; and, Larry Huynh, Founder of Trilogy Interactive and President of AAPC. While most of them are here to talk about general topics and not specifically about API voters, they intrinsically have unique and unparalleled insights into reaching API voters and you should consider reaching out to them.

 

I want to specifically single out Larry’s contribution to the craft and profession of political campaign consulting.  Larry is a nationally recognized digital strategist and his work has earned dozens of awards across multiple online disciplines and he is a frequent presenter and trainer at conferences. Larry is also a trailblazer for the API community and the first person of color and first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as president of the AAPC. He has supported the API candidates and served on API community non-profit boards.  His advice and leadership have been essential in the growth of API political and civic power. More importantly, Larry is the envy of APIs everywhere because he graduated from Harvard and still found a way to pursue a successful and fulfilling career without having to become a doctor or a lawyer.

 

As an API consultant attending numerous conferences like the ones AAPC puts on, I can’t tell you how important and impactful it was for me to see Larry’s name and face on the agenda alongside some of the greatest consultants in our business. It made me proud to be an Asian American and it inspired me to stick with this profession through difficult times and to work harder at mastering the craft. 

 

Deadline Political Editor Discusses How Culture, Politics and Blockbusters Collide

By: Ted Johnson, Deadline Hollywood

Most moviegoers went to this year’s biggest blockbuster Barbie and came away pleased by its quirky entertainment, but in the weeks up to its release, there was a simmering battle over what the movie meant to the cultural zeitgeist. Warner Bros. Discovery threw a lavish pre-screening party at the British ambassador’s residence, all designed to highlight what the movie said about women’s empowerment. Contrast that to Ben Shapiro, the founder of the conservative site The Daily Wire, posted videos of himself burning Barbies after watching the movie, which he deemed too “woke.” Studios, networks and streamers have come to rely on social media and high profile word-of-mouth as they market their projects, but they also have to factor in the very real possibility of backlash, as so much of culture gets weaponized.

Capitalizing on the attention that comes from Hollywood and the hundreds of millions poured into a marketing push, political figures, pundits and podcast hosts try to influence public taste for movies and TV shows, to their advantage and their detriment.The campaign against Barbie didn’t hurt its ticket sales, as Warner Bros. Discovery fired on all cylinders to make sure that the movie had strong awareness and a blockbuster opening.

At the same time, Shapiro’s campaign against it translated into millions of views on Twitter and YouTube, while perhaps calling attention to his own ambitions for his company’s efforts to go beyond politics into entertainment content. This effort to tap pop culture for partisan gain is not new.  Flash back more than 30 years to Vice President Dan Quayle’s attack on Murphy Brown, giving birth as a single mother, “mocking the importance of fathers.”

In the midst of a presidential campaign, it helped solidify Quayle’s status as a figure who could appeal to the right. The show itself capitalized on the controversy, to the tune of blockbuster ratings.The difference now is the frequency and intensity, spread on YouTube, TikTok and Twitter, that can have an actual impact on a portion of the audience.

Other projects have suffered. Five years ago, Universal released First Man, about the life of Neil Armstrong. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and others on the right stirred a campaign against it because it did not feature the iconic close up shot of Armstrong planting the flag on the lunar surface, triggering the idea that the move was somehow un-American. Despite strong reviews and a launch event at the National Air and Space Museum, the movie proved to be a box office disappointment. The absence of the flag was not the only reason for this, but studio executives privately fretted that it certainly did not help. In other cases, artists capitalized on the negative attention. After an outcry over his Try That In A Small Town, with Country Music Television pulling the song, Jason Aldean fueled a backlash that helped solidify it as a hit.

As Hollywood studios try to manage the downsides, political figures who wade into pop culture also risk getting mired in a battle with an uncertain endgame. Ron DeSantis initially made Disney part of his presidential campaign, accusing the company of supporting the sexualization of minors after it came out against his parental rights legislation, known to its detractors as the “don’t say gay” law. But his attacks have gotten mired in the courts, in a rather complicated battle over a special district that covers Walt Disney World. As his chief rival Donald Trump expanded his lead, DeSantis said that he had “moved on” from the fight.

In the coming months, Hollywood will be in the spotlight as a congressional committee turns its attention to studio relationships with China, adding additional scrutiny to whether movies have been tailored to ensure entry into the country’s marketplace. Inevitably, some other studio release this year will become a target. You can be sure plenty will be scrutinized with Warner Bros. Discovery’s next big release, Wonka. And as the rhetoric heats up, studios will have to be ever more sophisticated in countering the drummed up controversies.

Stop California SB 362 – The Delete Act

California SB 362, known as the Delete Act, would negatively impact access to data for political campaigns. The bill would create a portal via the California Privacy Protection Agency’s website for residents to remove all personal data from all data brokers registered with the state. The bill is up for a vote in the Assembly Appropriations Committee and we ask that you reach out to members you know and ask them to NOT advance the bill.

Concerns with California SB 362:

  • Impact on Political and Public Awareness Campaigns and Voter Outreach: Data brokers are crucial for political campaigns to reach constituents, drive turnout, and for fundraising. The bill’s deletion requirements would hinder campaign strategies and reduce voter engagement, especially reaching younger and diverse voters.
  • Unnecessary and Confusing Duplication: CCPA already applies to data brokers, and there are no gaps in California’s privacy law. The bill would create unnecessary duplication of regulations and compliance efforts negatively impacting small businesses.

These are just a couple of many concerns with CA SB 362. We ask that you reach out to the committee members listed below and ask them to NOT advance SB 362 and hold the bill for further study and review

Take Action:
Below is a sample email you can use to reach out to State Assembly Committee on Appropriations Members.

Thank you for your commitment to our industry principles and ensuring the strength of our democratic process,

Robyn Matthews
Director, Advocacy and Industry Relations
405.249.8286

Committee on Appropriations Members:

Chris Holden (Chair), Dem – 41
Megan Dahle (Vice Chair), Rep – 1
Isaac Bryan, Dem – 55
Lisa Calderon, Dem – 56
Wendy Carrillo, Dem – 52
Diane Dixon, Rep – 72
Mike Fong, Dem – 49
Gregg Hart, Dem – 37
Josh Lowenthal, Dem – 69
Devon Mathis, Rep – 33
Diane Papan, Dem – 21
Gail Pellerin, Dem – 28
Kate A. Sanchez, Rep – 71
Esmeralda Soria, Dem – 27
Akilah Weber, M.D., Dem – 79
Lori Wilson, Dem – 11

Sample Email:

Subject: Vote NO on SB 362

Dear Assemblymember [Name]:

As a steward of data in political campaigns, I ask that you vote to NOT advance SB 362. SB 362 will negatively impact political and public awareness campaigns.

While privacy is a critical consideration, SB 362’s provisions could inadvertently hinder our ability to effectively engage with voters and carry out successful political campaigns. Specifically, I worry about its potential impact on voter education and participation, particularly among younger and diverse demographics.

Our campaigns rely on data brokers to reach constituents, encourage voter turnout, and facilitate fundraising. SB 362’s requirements to remove personal data could limit the reach of our campaign messaging, ultimately diminishing public participation and weakening the democratic process.

Additionally, these deletion previsions already exist within the current CCPA. SB 362 introduces unnecessary redundancy and complicates compliance efforts for small businesses, without addressing any gaps in privacy law.

Given these concerns, I respectfully ask that you oppose the advancement of SB 362 and consider holding the bill for further study and review.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

[Your Name]
[Your Title/Company]
[Your Contact Information]

AAPC Condemns Latest Ban on Legitimate Political Advertising

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2023

 

AAPC CONDEMNS LATEST BAN ON LEGITIMATE POLITICAL ADVERTISING

Xandr’s Policy Reversal Cited as Affront to Democratic Principles

 

McLean, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) condemns Xandr’s recent decision to reverse its policy on allowing candidate and issue ads on its platform, raising concerns about the implications on the free exchange of ideas essential to our democratic process.

 

“Programmatic technology has revolutionized the advertising landscape, enabling campaigns and non-profits to connect with their target audiences more efficiently and effectively, especially young and diverse voters who may not access traditional forms of media,” said Larry Huynh, Democrat consultant and President of AAPC. “By imposing sweeping bans on legitimate advertising, Xandr is curtailing the free exchange of ideas that allow individuals to make informed decisions on critical issues.”

 

At the heart of programmatic technology lies innovation and efficiency, benefiting campaigns of all sizes and voters alike. These advancements have democratized advertising by providing smaller campaigns with opportunities to compete in the marketplace of ideas. “We urge Xandr to reconsider this policy and find ways to promote responsible political advertising while protecting democratic discourse.” said Kyle Roberts, Republican consultant and Vice President of AAPC.

 

As an organization dedicated to political free speech and ethical advertising practices, AAPC supports the foundational principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and urges full access to social media networks, email service providers, texting platforms and digital news and content publishers for all official campaigns and political and non-profit organizations. We applaud platforms that support political advertising as an essential means for candidates and organizations to communicate with the public openly and transparently.

 

AAPC believes that suppression of political advertising reduces the ability for people to participate and learn about the democratic process – including the candidates, political organizations, and policy issues that matter to them. Suppressing advertising is restricting free speech and a campaign’s ability to reach a broad community online.

 

AAPC stands ready to work with all media partners to develop strong policies to uncover and stop misinformation while protecting free speech for campaigns and issue advocacy efforts.

 

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About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has more than 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. The Board of Directors is comprised of thirty-two members, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. The AAPC Foundation supports efforts to protect free speech, defend democracy, and prepare the next generation of political consultants to thrive. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

 

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
+1 703-245-8021
[email protected]

AAPC Announces 2021 Class of 40 Under 40 Award Winners

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 19, 2021

 

AAPC ANNOUNCES 2021 CLASS OF 40 UNDER 40 AWARD WINNERS

 

Las Vegas, NV (October 19, 2021) —The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)—America’s only bipartisan association of political professionals— today announced the winners of the 2021 40 Under 40 Awards program recognizing the best and brightest young professionals working in the United States. Selected from more than 200 nominations, the winners were recognized at an awards ceremony during the 2021 Pollie Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.
“In an unprecedented campaign cycle due to the global pandemic, this year’s 40 Under 40 class highlights the rising influencers, entrepreneurs, creators and strategists that are shaping the future of political consulting,” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli. “We’re excited to recognize and celebrate them early on in their careers, and we look forward to seeing the incredible work they put forth in the future to further our industry.”
“PayClearly takes great pride and is truly honored to be a part of this celebration of emerging political leaders,” said John Jamieson, SVP of Strategic Sales & Partners at PayClearly. “We wish all winners a huge congratulations and look forward to your sustained successes. You are all a testimony that hard work, a relentless conviction and perseverance make that unassailable difference.”
The AAPC is dedicated to fostering the next generation of political professionals and is proud to recognize leaders and innovators in the political business community (including media, advertising, polling and public affairs) who are making a mark in their organization and their profession.

Winners of the AAPC 2021 40 Under 40 Awards
Democratic Winners
Delilah Agho-Otoghile, Harris County Democratic Party
Luis Alcauter, Solidarity Strategies
Rania Batrice, Batrice & Associates
Michael Charles, Upper Left Strategies
Shasti Conrad, Shasti Conrad Consulting
Carly Cooperman, Schoen Cooperman Research
Emily Kirby Goodman, EMC Research
Anatole Jenkins, Biden for President
Kendall Klingler, Fiona Hutton & Associates
Rosa Mendoza, Global Strategy Group
Vanessa Millán, Con Cultura, LLC
Jill Nelson Golub, Whitehurst/Mosher Campaign Strategy and Media
Charly Norton, Bergmann Zwerdling Direct
Jovita Pardo, GNI Strategies
Jamie Patton, Uplift Campaigns
Christina Sheffey, Bully Pulpit Interactive
Rebecca Slutzky, Sogonex
Brian Stryker, ALG Research
Mary-Patricia Wray, Top Drawer Strategies
Carolyn Xu, Media Fortitude Partners
Republican Winners
Alexander Avetoom, Para Bellum Public Affairs
Titus Bond, Remington Research Group
Ethan Eilon, IMGE
Tyler Foote, Creative Direct
Daria Grastara, National Republican Senatorial Committee
Chad Heywood, Camelback Strategy Group
Kate Holliday, a4 Media
Jackie Huelbig, Centro
Conor Maguire, WPA Intelligence
Tom Newhouse, Convergence Media
Sam Oh, Targeted Victory
Anthony Pileggi, IMGE
Jonathan Ratliff, Palm Strategic Group
Brian Reisinger, Platform Communications
David Seawright, Deep Root Analytics
Scott Stone, Strategic Impact
Austin Stukins, Push Digital
Hope Walker, SCGOP
Joe Williams, Vanguard Field Strategies
Benjamin Yoho, The Strategy Group Company

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About the 2021 AAPC Pollie Conference
As the premier industry event, the 2021 AAPC Pollie Conference is held in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 19 – 21, 2021 and brings the leading political professionals in the world together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits and service providers. The Conference features cutting-edge programming on key industry trends, designed to empower attendees to leverage the latest techniques in campaign strategy and management. The Conference is widely recognized as the must-attend event for political consultants, media buyers, public affairs specialists, suppliers, industry leaders and journalists. For details, visit www.theaapc.org.

About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has more than 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. The Board of Directors is comprised of 32 members, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

AAPC Condemns Use of Deceptive Generative AI Content in Political Campaigns

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 3, 2023

 

AAPC CONDEMNS USE OF DECEPTIVE GENERATIVE AI CONTENT IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS

AAPC Board of Directors Unanimously Votes to Adopt New Policy for its Members

 

MCLEAN, VA – At its recent Pollie Awards & Conference last month, the bipartisan Board of Directors of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) unanimously agreed to condemn the use of generative AI “deep fake” content in political campaigns and today issued a policy statement to guide how the Association applies this purposefully deceptive technology within its current Professional Code of Ethics, which governs members’ actions and enforces any violations of the code.

“The Board unanimously agreed that the use of ’deep fake’ generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) content is a dramatically different and dangerous threat to democracy,” said AAPC President R. Rebecca Donatelli. “AAPC is proud of and committed to upholding our Code of Ethics and believed we needed to address this burgeoning technology and make it clear to our members that its use is a blatant violation of our existing Code of Ethics.”

The policy statement highlights that the current AAPC Professional Code of Ethics clearly condemns false and misleading statements: “…Deep fake” generative AI is contrary to the Code of Ethics because, at its core, “deep fake” content is a deception and has no place in legitimate, ethical campaigns. Therefore, AAPC’s Code of Ethics prohibits the use of “deep fake” generative AI content.

AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh added, “AAPC will continue to protect members and voters who rely on straightforward political communications to make informed decisions while ensuring free speech, including the use of satire or parody, thrives within the $9 billion political advertising industry that our members represent.”

Donatelli also noted that the policy establishes a new industry standard for its members by prohibiting any advertising using “deep fake” generative AI content from being eligible for AAPC Awards. Additionally, the AAPC is also encouraging all media, advertising platforms, and delivery systems to refuse to carry or deliver ads using “deep fake” generative AI content.

 

The Full AAPC Policy Statement on Generative AI Can Be Read Here:

“The rise of so-called ’deep fake’ content generated by AI in political campaigns presents a troubling challenge to the free and fair debate of political ideas. With the use of generative AI, so-called “deep fake” technology can make distinguishing between reality and deception difficult. Citizens must have confidence in the basic truthfulness of political campaigns. While the public’s trust in institutions and campaigns has been shaken in recent decades, the use of “deep fake” generative AI content is a dramatically different and dangerous threat to democracy.

The AAPC Professional Code of Ethics currently clearly condemns false and misleading statements. “Deep fake” generative AI is contrary to the Code of Ethics because, at its core, “deep fake” content is a deception and has no place in legitimate, ethical campaigns. Therefore, AAPC’s Code of Ethics prohibits the use of “deep fake” generative AI content.

Further, no advertising using “deep fake” generative AI content will be eligible for AAPC Awards. The AAPC also encourages all media, advertising platforms, and delivery systems to refuse to carry or deliver ads using “deep fake” generative AI content.

The AAPC will use a broad standard to review, condemn, and, if necessary, sanction its members for using “deep fake” ads produced with generative AI technology. This broad prohibition includes deploying “deep fake” generative AI for non-advertising purposes in a political contest. AAPC members are advised that issuing a warning or disclaimer that the audience is viewing a “deep fake” video created using generative AI is insufficient and will not be accepted as a method to avoid this standard.

We will continue to closely monitor these technological evolutions in ad-making while protecting satire and the free discussion of ideas. At this point, “deep fake” imagery used in political ads can be defined as synthetic, computer-generated video, stills, or audio elements derived from a person’s likeness, voice, or image that is so near realistic that it is intended to lead voters to deceptive conclusions alternative to reality about a candidate, party, or issue.

The AAPC does not believe “deep fake” generative AI content as defined above qualifies as satire. AAPC believes there is a strong distinction between parody and an intent to deceive. Satire and even comedic impersonation have a long tradition in democracies and have always been presented with the audience being fully aware and “in on the joke.” The AAPC will continue to stand by its members who exercise their right to free speech with humor and satire when they use truthful and accurate images and quotes.”

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About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has more than 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. The Board of Directors is comprised of 32 members, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

AAPC Applauds Twitter’s Decision To Allow For Political Speech and the Democratic Process

CONTACT:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 5, 2023

 

AAPC Applauds Twitter’s Decision To Allow For Political Speech and the Democratic Process

 

MCLEAN, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) applauds Twitter’s decision
to allow cause-based ads and the return of political advertising on the platform. Social media platforms
are a critical means for campaigns to reach a broad audience of voters, especially young and diverse
audiences who may not access traditional forms of media.

“Twitter’s plans to reinstate cause-based advertising on its platform is a major win for the democratic
process and the ability for campaigns to inform voters about issues they care about,” said Becki Donatelli,
Republican consultant and President of AAPC.

AAPC also applauds Twitter for stating their advertising policy will align with that of TV and other
media outlets.

“Leveling the playing field for political advertising allows candidates and issue organizations to clearly
communicate with voters across all demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, especially as
consumer media habits change. Newer platforms, like streaming tv and radio, should follow Twitter’s
example to allow direct communication with voters,” said Larry Huynh, Democratic consultant and Vice
President of AAPC.

AAPC steadfastly supports the foundational principles of political free speech enshrined in the U.S.
Constitution and urges full access to social media networks, email service providers, texting platforms,
and digital news and content publishers for all official campaigns and political and non-profit
organizations.

AAPC believes that suppression of political advertising ultimately reduces the ability of people to
participate and learn about the democratic process – including the candidates, and political organizations,
and policy issues that matter to them. Suppressing advertising is restricting free speech and an official
campaign's ability to reach a broad community online.

AAPC stands ready to work with all media partners to develop strong policies to uncover and stop
misinformation while protecting free speech for campaigns and issue advocacy efforts.

 

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About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals
dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the
globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. The AAPC
Foundation supports efforts to protect free speech, defend democracy, and prepare the next generation of
political consultants to thrive. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.