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AARP
Beliefs- The AARP is a somewhat Democratic, liberal, interest group. They believe in advancing the well being of their primary members, the senior citizens of America. They believe that everyone should have access to healthcare, and that healthcare should be equal. They believe in representing the interests of their members. However, they also believe that things such as health care should not be given out to those people that cannot afford it; although people should have equal care, they should not be given it if they do not contribute.
Political Activity/Current Lobbying or Legislation Attempts:
- The AARP is focused mainly on topics that would affect their supporters. Largely, their effort is put forth for items such as the health care reform, social security, and Medicare; however, they also have supported topics related to voter registration and making sure every person's vote is counted. Originally, AARP supporters did not agree with the support of the health care reform due to the idea that it would reduce Medicare and would raise prices; this has changed with the newer version of the reform, where the AARP believes that even though the bill does not solve everything, they "cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good" (AARP, 2010). In California, AARP has announced support of H.R. 6130, the Strengthening Medicare Anti-Fraud Measures Act (Endorses, 2010). In Florida, constitutional amendments focused on reducing gerrymandering gained the support of AARP's state branch. (Larrabee, 2010). As with most groups, the AARP is trying to increase voter registration and turnout, stating that a single vote can have a difference and that the election will determine the new majority of Congress (Mecoy, 2010).
Common Supporters/Voters
- Most of the people that support the AARP are those in the group itself. With an estimated 40 million members, the AARP mainly focuses on those that are a part of it. The age range is roughly 50 and older, as is the requirement to become a member of the group (About, 2010). The supporters of the AARP are likely to vote Democrat over Republican, which is evident due to 90% of the money contributed to the 2008 election going to Democratic candidates and committees (CBS, 2010).
Known Political Supporters- The AARP is supported by over 100 political organizations. It is widely backed.
Do they form a PAC
- The AARP does not form a PAC, but that does not mean they do not contribute to campaigns. In fact, in the 2008 election, AARP employees gave $53,200 for campaigning (Endorses, 2010).
"About AARP." AARP - Health, Travel Deals, Baby Boomers, Election News, Over 50, Online Games, Retirement Plan. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/>.
"AARP Draws Political Fire." Washington Examiner. 11 Dec. 2009. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/AARP-at-50_-Advocate_-lobbyist_-insurer_-and-government-partner-8648106-79004632.html>.
Larrabee, Brandon. "AARP Joins Supporters of Redistricting Amendments." Mayport Mirror. 16 Sept. 2010. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://mayportmirror.jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/brandon-larrabee/2010-09-16/aarp-joins-supporters-redistricting-amendments>.
"CBS Highlights AARP Members Defecting to Conservative ASA | NewsBusters.org."NewsBusters.org | Exposing Liberal Media Bias. 19 Aug. 2010. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brad-wilmouth/2009/08/18/cbs-highlights-aarp-members-defecting-conservative-asa>.
"AARP Endorses Bipartisan Legislation to Fight Fraud in Medicare." AARP - Health, Travel Deals, Baby Boomers, Election News, Over 50, Online Games, Retirement Plan. 21 Sept. 2010. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-09-2010/medicare_fraud_letter.html>.
Johnson, Carla K. "AARP, AMA Announce Support For Health Care Bill: Largest Doctors And Retiree Groups Backing Legislation." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. 19 Mar. 2010. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/19/aarp-ama-announce-support_n_506060.html>.
Mecoy, Laura. "Midterm Elections, Five Reasons to Vote; Party in Control of Congress for One - AARP Bulletin." AARP - Health, Travel Deals, Baby Boomers, Election News, Over 50, Online Games, Retirement Plan. 1 Oct. 2010. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-09-2010/five_reasons_to_vote.html>.
