CAR-PAC, the Coalition’s political action committee, is one of many critical tools NJ CAR has at its disposal to ensure the franchised new car and truck retailer industry’s voice is heard in Trenton on a wide variety of important public policy issues. It is critical that EVERY dealership contributes to CAR-PAC to ensure we have the necessary financial resources to support candidates (on both sides of the aisle) who support the franchised retail automotive industry in New Jersey. With all 120 members of the New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly up for re-election in November 2023, auto retailers have a huge stake in the outcome of this election. Unlike most, the Garden State election this November may generate some additional drama, with some competitive races, thanks to the newly drawn legislative districts.
CAR-PAC advocates on behalf of New Jersey’s 500 neighborhood new car and truck dealerships and educates legislators on the industry’s many contributions to the State’s economy and the hundreds of communities in which we operate.
NJ CAR currently invoices dealers $1,000 per year to keep CAR-PAC funded properly, but it is important to know that the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) rules allow contributions to a political action committee of up to $8,200 per business or jointly-controlled business. That means a dealer that owns one store can contribute up to $8,200 per two-year election cycle, while a dealer with 15 stores can contribute a TOTAL of $8,200 across all stores (about $546 per store). And, don’t forget, those contributions can be made with corporate funds.
CAR-PAC has set a goal to raise $500,000 for this year’s elections, a total that we can easily reach if every dealer considers making a supplemental contribution of $1,000 or more to the Coalition’s political action committee. Please contribute as much as you can comfortably afford. It is money well spent.
NJ CAR appreciates the support of the nearly 300 dealers who consistently contribute to CAR-PAC and hope they will continue to honor their obligations going forward. The Coalition hopes those dealers who have not contributed will reconsider. If every dealer does their part, CAR-PAC will be in excellent shape to participate fully in this year’s legislative races.
Checks should be made payable to CAR-PAC and forwarded to NJ CAR Headquarters (856 River Road, West Trenton, NJ 08628). If you have any questions regarding how much your dealership or dealership group can still contribute this election cycle, please contact Jim Appleton at (609) 883-5056, x330, or via email at jappleton@njcar.org, and he will have staff look into what you can still legally donate to CAR-PAC.
There is strength in numbers. When our $40 billion industry comes together with one voice, we have the ability to promote policies that benefit our customers, our employees and our businesses and fight hard against proposals that will harm consumers or our industry.
Please join me in supporting CAR-PAC with a generous contribution so they can continue supporting us.
