The Northern Virginia/Realtors® Political Action Committee (NV/RPAC): Have Questions? We Have Answers!

What is the role of National RPAC, RPAC of Virginia and NV/RPAC?

National RPAC evaluates candidates for federal offices and, as a federal PAC, is the sole contributor to federal campaigns. NAR consults with the respective state and local associations on funding for candidates and incumbents.

RPAC of Virginia evaluates statewide candidates (Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General) as well as all 140 members of the General Assembly, in consultation with local associations.

NV/RPAC has the sole responsibility of reviewing candidates for local Boards of Supervisors and City Councils, and reviews General Assembly members from the Northern Virginia area.

How are RPAC contributions used?

RPAC contributions are used to fund candidates for public office and to support issues campaigns that are in line with established Realtor® public policy positions. Each contribution is split between NV/RPAC (40%), RPAC of Virginia (30%) and National RPAC (30%). How are NVAR’s public policy positions developed?

NVAR’s public policy positions are updated yearly and included in the NVAR Legislative Program document. All NVAR committees and forums are asked to submit issues for consideration by the Legislative Program Task Force. The Task Force researches and discusses the issues and prepares a draft of the Legislative Program for the NVAR Government Affairs Committee. The Government Affairs Committee reviews the draft and makes recommendations to the NVAR Board of Directors. Ultimately, the NVAR Board of Directors approves the policy positions contained in the final Legislative Program. These policy positions are then used by the Trustees to evaluate candidates for office.

On what policy issues does NVAR take a position?

NVAR’s positions encompass many policy areas and are not exclusive to one political party or viewpoint. Those include: affordable housing, transportation funding, eminent domain, POA and Condo association rules, zoning authority, real estate transaction fees, development costs and requirements, real estate licensing, private property rights, landlord-tenant agreements, environmental protection and many others. The issues in the current Legislative Program can be found on NVAR’s Government Affairs Web page under “Advocacy Priorities.”

Who decides which candidates are supported by RPAC?

At all three levels (National RPAC, RPAC of Virginia and NV/RPAC), candidates are evaluated by Realtor® members that serve as RPAC Trustees.

How are the NV/RPAC Trustees appointed?

The eleven Trustees are appointed by the elected NVAR Chairman of the Board. The NV/RPAC Bylaws outline the criteria for becoming a Trustee, and include the appointment of the chairmen of the Government Affairs, Legislative Bill Review and NV/RPAC Campaign committees, at-large BOD members, and other at-large RPAC contributors.

What tools do the NV/RPAC Trustees use to evaluate candidates for open seats?

The Trustees may elect to take a position in an open seat race or to stay out completely. If they choose to get involved, the usual process is to invite both major party candidates for an in-person interview and to have them complete a written questionnaire on real estate issues.

What tools do the NV/RPAC Trustees use to evaluate incumbents?

Trustees consider an incumbent’s voting record on Realtor® issues, leadership positions, committee assignments, willingness to work with NVAR, and likelihood of being re-elected. NVAR lobbyists and members of the Trustees would have also met with the elected official during his or her term in office.

Is NV/RPAC bi-partisan?

None of the decisions made by the NV/RPAC Trustees are based on a candidate’s political party affiliation. NV/RPAC’s mission is not to change the balance of political power toward one party or another, but rather to work with those who are in office for the benefit of our membership. When participating in events hosted by a political party, NV/RPAC strives to contribute equally. When contributing to individuals, support is given to those that have supported Realtor® issues. Issues outside of NVAR’s established public policy positions are not considered.

Is there a political balance in RPAC contributions?

Contributions at the state and federal level closely track the make-up of the General Assembly and Congress. The current Northern Virginia state and local delegation is overwhelmingly Democratic; however, NV/RPAC’s giving has been consistently more bi-partisan than the delegation make-up would suggest.

How does NV/RPAC share information on candidates it supports?

NVAR publishes the names and party affiliations of candidates it supports on NVAR.com and in the Update, NVAR News and Town Hall Notes publications. This information is also distributed through the Government Affairs Department booth at the Economic Summit and Annual Convention trade shows. In addition, all NV/RPAC activities and contributions are public record, available on vpap.org.