Ohio-ACC Header
Ohio-ACC News
August 2011 
President's Message
Dr. Robert Hobbs

Colleagues,

 

I want to thank all of you who have given money to the ACC PAC this year. The cardiology community in Ohio should be proud of its generous contributions. Ohio ranks #9 in the country in contributions! (See the table below.)

It makes a difference, and our voice is being heard. Recently, Jack Lewin, ACC CEO, spoke before the Energy and Health Subcommittee about the efforts of the ACC to improve quality. You can view the video here.

 

Be a Part of It
Our influence in Washington is increasing. This is a critical time in the development of healthcare policy. We must be part of the decision-making process. I am asking you to contribute $100, or even better, $1000, to the ACC PAC this year, and every year. You can do this by printing this form or visiting the ACC PAC web site (www.accpacweb.org). If you cannot remember your ACC login information, you can retrieve it on the website or email [email protected] for assistance. If you have already contributed to the PAC this year, thank you! Please ask your colleagues to give.

 

Have questions about the PAC? The following "PACscuses" are informative.

"I can't afford to give."

Actually you can't afford not to give. It is important to support ACCPAC because of its efforts on behalf of our specialty. Even if you just give $1.00 a day, your participation in ACCPAC helps ensure ACC's continued strong presence on Capitol Hill. Keep in mind that groups whose priorities are counter to ours are supporting their PACs with sustained vigor. Contributing to ACCPAC is like purchasing insurance on the practice of cardiology, so we all need to make it a priority.

 

"My contribution doesn't make any difference."

The results of political activity can be difficult to measure and many victories are ambiguous. We do know that overall participation in a PAC is a marker of the strength of an organization's commitment to its priorities. More important than the amount you contribute is the fact that you join in broad support of ACCPAC. With around 25,000 eligible ACC members, the potential of ACCPAC is staggering!

 

"I don't like the candidates ACCPAC supports."

In an organization with such a large number of eligible members, it is virtually impossible that everyone would share the same political viewpoints. Try to remember that politicians from both political parties and with vastly different ideologies have been - and continue to be - deeply involved in issues that affect cardiovascular care on a daily basis.

 

"Actually, I don't like politics, period."

ACCPAC must work with elected officials and political candidates to advance the interests of cardiology and cardiology patients - regardless of personal preference or political affiliation. The political process works best if you support ACCPAC's efforts to protect the practice of cardiovascular care, and in your personal life, work to support the elected officials you feel best represent your personal political views. It's important to be objective in this matter just as you are when you practice medicine.

 

"I don't believe money has a place in politics."

Money in politics has become very controversial. Keep in mind, though, that PACs were established as a legal channel for political contributions. They allow organizations like ACC to become involved in the political process by supporting candidates who support our priorities. Furthermore, every contribution we receive or disbursement we make is reported to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), making the process completely transparent.

 

"Giving to ACCPAC is a hassle. I hate being contacted repeatedly."

There are multiple ways to contribute to ACCPAC: by phone, by mail, on-line or in person at our annual meeting or Legislative Conference. You can pick the one that is best for you. You can even set up regular, automatic payments from your credit card to ACCPAC. The logistics of fundraising require us to use the most cost effective ways of contacting contributors, and sometimes you may receive multiple requests. We are sincerely appreciative of your contribution.

 

Thanks again,

 

Robert E. Hobbs, MD, FACC
President

 PAC Contributions 2011

Save the Date! 
Make Plans to Attend
Make Plans to Attend  

ACC Legislative Conference  

September 11-13, 2011

Washington, DC

 

Ohio-ACC 21st Annual Meeting

Saturday, October 15, 2011

The Conference Center at NorthPointe
Lewis Center, OH