There was a side conversation at the annual meeting about a recent mailer sent to REALTORS® highlighting Congressman Neal’s record on housing, homeownership and related issues for your voting consideration, knowing how important housing is to you. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) sponsored the messages, and the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) RPAC Trustees authorized them. copy here
“Does this mean we all support Congressman Richie Neal’s reelection? Does my board endorse candidates? If I make a contribution, could it support someone I disagree with?”
Great questions—and thank you for asking. Here are a few clarifications about the recent mailers, how REALTOR® political support works and the choices you have when contributing.
Does the Berkshire Board support candidates?
No, any candidate-level work is handled at the state and national level. The Berkshire County Board of REALTORS, as part of the tri-level organization, supports the process, but our focus is on advocacy for strong housing legislation and private property rights. We are most often sharing education and information for our members to participate in the conversation, hence why our Town Monitor program is the perfect example of empowering our members!
Does that mean every REALTOR® supports his reelection?
No. The mailers reflect support through the association’s political process. They do not represent the personal views of every member, contributor or Major Investor.
We understand why the positive message and election reminder could give that impression. Our members hold different political views, and each person decides whom to support and how to vote. Information is offered to help with that decision where housing is concerned.
Why support a candidate some members disagree with?
Our political advocacy focuses on housing, private property rights and the ability to serve real estate clients. Candidates are evaluated only through that lens, rather than agreement with every position they take.
A candidate may receive REALTOR® support for their housing record even when members strongly disagree with them on other issues. That support is not approval of a candidate’s entire platform.
Who decides where my contribution goes?
Each contributor chooses which fund or giving option receives their contribution. You can support candidate campaigns, housing policy work or a combination, depending on your preferences.
Once you contribute to a fund, its decision-makers determine how that fund’s money is spent. For example, RPAC trustees make candidate funding decisions; individual donors do not approve each expenditure or mailing. Being recognized as a Major Investor does not mean someone reviewed or personally endorsed a particular message.
What alternatives are available to candidate contributions?
MRECA: Housing policy in the Commonwealth
The Massachusetts Real Estate Community Alliance, abbreviated MRECA, is our new housing coalition. It supports research, education and a grassroots network of Massachusetts residents working toward housing solutions. Its purpose is housing policy work, rather than contributions to candidate campaigns.
MRECA is a welcome home for contributions from members who want to focus on the Commonwealth’s housing challenges. Think of the research and public education needed to make the case against rent control or real estate transfer taxes, and to explain how proposed policies could affect housing availability, affordability and homeownership.
If your priority is supporting that work rather than funding candidates, MRECA is an option to consider. It accepts personal and business contributions.
PAF: National member advocacy and support for RPAC operations
NAR’s Political Advocacy Fund, abbreviated PAF, funds advocacy communications to REALTORS® and the administration and promotion of NAR RPAC. It accepts personal and business contributions.
PAF does not make direct contributions to federal candidate campaigns. However, its member communications can concern candidates, so it should not be understood as a fund devoted only to housing research or policy education. That distinction matters if your goal is to avoid candidate-related advocacy.
What if I do want to support candidates? RPAC!
MA RPAC supports Massachusetts state and local candidates, while NAR RPAC supports federal candidates. Those contributions are pooled, and trustees decide which candidates receive support.
Eligible direct giving offers another option: you choose which approved candidate receives your contribution.
Did my contribution pay for these mailers?
The mailers identify their sponsor and authorization, and they were funded by RPAC/PAF voluntary funds given. We should not assume that a particular member’s contribution funded these pieces. Your dues did not fund these mailers.
Your contribution, your choice
Giving is voluntary, and you choose where to invest. Before contributing, you are welcome to ask what each fund supports and who makes its spending decisions. And we thank the people who do contribute as their investment has helped us obtain important research, devote resources to understanding complex legislation and navigate housing in the political world we live in. Review MAR’s investment options and savings calculator or contact rpac@marealtor.com for help choosing the option that fits your priorities. Or don’t, if it doesn’t align with your interests.
Thank you for raising these questions. Members deserve clear information, respect for different political views and the opportunity to make informed choices.