National Republican Congressional Committee

Encyclopedia : N : NA : NAT : National Republican Congressional Committee

The National Republican Congressional Committee is the Republican Hill committee for the United States House of Representatives, working to elect Republicans to that body. Its current chair is Rep. Tom Reynolds of New York. The NRCC was formed in 1866.

Rep. Tom Davis of Virgina was Chairman from 1998 to 2002. Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma is possibly next in line to receive the job.

The NRCC is dedicated to building a lasting House Republican Majority.

Controversies in the News

In 2001, when Soft Money was about to be prohibited, the Committee successfully invigorated its donor program, raising millions and breaking records.[link]. Prior to the soft money ban, for 2000 and 2002, one-third of the Committee's $210.8 million was soft money donations.

Especially after the ban, the NRCC's fundraising sources and techniques have been criticized. For the 2004 election cycle, at least two of its top three donors have been Indian tribal clients of Jack Abramoff. Others include gambling interests (also related to Abramoff).[link] An unusual amount of donors do not declare an occupation or employer, making connections difficult; however this may be due to the nature of its donor pool, who are individuals rather than groups, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Another of those controversial techniques has been a practice to contact small business leaders to inform them that they are to be recognized with a 'National Leadership' Award.[link] This cost for this award is a donation to the Committee. The television show '60 Minutes' has aired had more than one full episode dedicated to investigating the NRCC and their fundraising activities.

External links

Cornell University Guide to the National Republican Congressional Committee Records, [1964?]-1971[link]
"Worried Over Soft Money, G.O.P. Readies Major Gala" New York Times [link]
Jack Abramoff Lobbying and Political Contributions, 1999 - 2006 at [CapitalEye.com]
[Sourcewatch profile of NRCC]

Donations to NRCC at [OpenSecrets.com]
Donations to NRCC in 2004 from [Campaignmoney.com]
Donations to NRCC in 2006 from [Campaignmoney.com]

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