Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/96778
Politics ("An Indelible Mark" continued from page 38) (see sidebar with the full scorecard). Perhaps most significantly, of the 40 House incumbents we supported, only three lost. Given the volatility this election cycle and the number of competitive races into which we waded, that's a pretty good track record. Our PAC contribution strategy this cycle was the same as in past years: We focused on candidates who shared our views on infrastructure, tax, and regulatory issues and who are influential in one or more of those areas. We don't agree with all the candidates we supported on every issue, but if you look at our list you'll see people with a demonstrated ability to govern and a willingness to engage in a mature dialogue about the industry's policy priorities. AED PAC also doesn't make its giving decisions in a vacuum. With very few exceptions, the candidates we supported this cycle had relationships in their home states and districts with AED members. The majority of our PAC support was delivered at ImPACt 2012 meetings between local distributors and candidates. Even if all our candidates didn't win, having a member-driven political program is something we don't plan to change going into the next election cycle. We think actively engaging our members in the candidate selection process is the key to a strong grassroots network and one of the reasons that AED has been so successful on the Hill in recent years. With all that said, here are some of things AED PAC accomplished during 2011-2012 election cycle thanks to our members' stepped-up engagement: AED members contributed $90,075 to AED PAC in 2012, blowing the away the previous one-year record (set in 2008) by $30,975. AED members contributed $143,125 during the 20112012 election cycle, $35,475 more than previous record set Rep. Chris Gibson (R-N.Y.) visits Hoffman Equipment's Marlboro, N.Y., facility in June 2012 for an AED ImPACt event. Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) attends an ImPACt event at Stephenson Equipment's Prospect Park facility in August 2012. Vermeer MidSouth's Springdale, Ark., location welcomed Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) for an AED ImPACt event in June 2011. (continued on page 43) AED Legislative Priorities For the 113th Congress Completing an overhaul of the tax code that restores certainty and doesn't discriminate against taxpayers based on income level Enacting a long-term highway bill with new revenue sources to support investment needs Ensuring water infrastructure is adequately funded through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs and encouraging private investment Expanding energy production and ensure that shale energy development is allowed to continue unfettered by burdensome regulations Protecting LIFO Shielding equipment distributors from harmful and unnecessary regulations Putting the federal government's fiscal house in order 40 | www.cedmag.com | Construction Equipment Distribution | December 2012 Gary Grady of West Virginia Tractor Co. presents an AED PAC check in August 2012 to Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-W.V.), the top Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. Gov. Mitt Romney's presidential campaign held a rally at AED member Carter Machinery's Abingdon, Va., facility on Friday, Oct. 5, to deliver a strong message in support of the coal industry.