Top 5 Super PACs in the 2012 Presidential Race

Super PACs such as Restore Our Future give Republicans like Romney a campaign edge.

Accomplishments. Endorsements. Voting Records.

These three factors can draw voters to the polls in support of a candidate, prompt them to vote for the opposition or to simply stay at home. But this formula alone doesn’t make or break a political campaign. Of course, there’s also the almighty dollar. Since July 2010, the role of money in campaigns has shifted. Then a federal court ruling in the case SpeechNow.org v. Federal Election Commission allowed for the formation of Super PACs. What exactly are these new types of political action committees? Nonpartisan research group the Center for Responsive Politics spells it out:

“Super PACs may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, associations and individuals, then spend unlimited sums to overtly advocate for or against political candidates. Super PACs must, however, report their donors to the Federal Election Commission on a monthly or quarterly basis…as a traditional PAC would.”

Super PACs can’t contribute money directly to a candidate for office, but the fact that there’s no cap on the amount of money they spend to get politicians elected more than makes up for it. Here’s a look at five of the most influential Super PACs in the nation and the 2012 presidential candidates they’re putting their weight behind.

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