Purple PAC

Founded in 2013 by Cato Institute co-founder Ed Crane, the Purple PAC is a super PAC devoted to electing libertarian-oriented candidates and promoting libertarian issues. The Purple PAC has no relationship to the Cato Institute or the Libertarian party. It is currently devoted to promoting the presidential candidacy of Republican Rand Paul. Its financial goal is to have $10 million by the end of the year and to begin campaign efforts in the late fall. By June of 2015, it had $1.3 million in the bank. Unlike some super PACs (political action committees that may accept unlimited contributions but need to disclose the names and amounts of contributors), the Purple PAC will not attempt to create a “shadow campaign,” complete with rallies, canvassers and polls. It is precluded from coordinating in any manner with Sen. Paul’s campaign. The directors of the Purple PAC believe the most cost-effective way to have an impact on the presidential campaign is not with a large staff, but through social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other venues. It will also produce 30-second television ads and radio ads. The campaign will not attempt to tear down other candidates, instead concentrating on the many positive reasons Rand Paul is, by far, the best candidate for president in 2016.