 | |
| Formation | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Purpose | net neutrality, civil liberties |
| Headquarters | Phoenix, AZ |
Treasurer | Mitch Manzella |
| Website | http://www.testpac.org |
TestPAC (formerly known as "TestPAC, Please Ignore") is acrowdfunded, non-connectedpolitical action committee in theUnited States. Its Chairman isJeromie Whalen. It is best known for its 2012 campaign to defeat incumbent U.S. RepresentativeLamar Smith (R-TX) in response to the Congressman's introduction of theStop Online Piracy Act and H.R.1981[1]
TestPAC was registered with theFederal Election Commission on January 31, 2012.[2] TestPAC started when several members of theReddit community initiated anetroots boycott ofGoDaddy.com and "Operation Pull Ryan", where Reddit members helpedPaul Ryan's opponent, Rob Zerban raise $15,000 in 48 hours.[3] When Ryan eventually came out in opposition of SOPA, activistsAndy Posterick andJeromie Whalen formed a political action committee for potential future campaigns.[4]
TestPAC was originally registered as "TestPAC, Please Ignore." The name is a play on an inside joke on Reddit;[5] the site's most popular post ever was titled "Test Post, Please Ignore."[6]
TestPACcrowdsources its mission, goals and campaigns from its member-base on the PAC's discussion forum on Reddit. Although most decisions are made among PAC members, major decisions are put to an official vote on the PAC's website. So far, the organization has held two official votes: one asking members whether to campaign against Lamar Smith and one to decide on a concept for a billboard advertisement.
TestPAC primarily relies on crowdfunding as a means of fundraising and solicits donations on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit.[7]
 | This section needs to beupdated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(May 2015) |
In February 2012, TestPAC members voted between removing 13-term incumbent Lamar Smith from office orCampaign Finance Reform for the PAC's first target issue. With 63% of the vote, members elected to start a campaign against Lamar Smith.[8] The campaign was officially titled "Mr. Smith Comes Back From Washington".[9]
TestPAC had chosen this campaign primarily because of Rep. Smith's support of the controversialStop Online Piracy Act and introduction of H.R. 1981.[10] The primary strategy for accomplishing this is encouraging registeredRepublicans andDemocrats to vote in the May 29th semi-open Republican Primary against Smith.[11][12]
On April 4, 2012, TestPAC released its first television commercial[13]
Test PAC's leadership structure is volunteer-based and open to anyone. The PAC lists several officers on its website who organize operational elements of the PAC's campaigns and manage day-to-day operations of the organization. According to the Federal Election Commission,Andrew J Posterick is registered as the PAC Treasurer.[14]