UNC PAC Distributes $154K to Candidates

Citizens for Higher Education donated $154,000 to more than 45 election campaigns to ensure that UNC's interests are represented in the new legislature.

But experts say the funds likely will not influence legislative decisions.

The money is an expression of political goodwill, said Ferrel Guillory, director of UNC's Program on Southern Politics, Media and Public Life. He said it builds bridges toward political access and has an indirect effect on legislators when considering bills that affect UNC.

"It might nudge candidates into stronger support of the University," he said. "It opens doors or keeps them open."

The majority of the money -- $154,000 -- was donated Oct. 14.

Democratic candidates received the majority of the money -- $95,000 -- with $59,000 going to Republicans. Guillory said CHE is covering its bases by supporting both parties.

"We don't know which party will be in a majority," he said. "The Democrats got most of the money because the Democratic leaders have protected and enhanced the University's budget.

"But the CHE is also smart politically; they know that the Republicans might win a majority. The CHE wants to ensure some access with Republican leaders should they become the majority."

Contributions ranged from $1,000 to $4,000, the largest amount a PAC can contribute under state law.

It is not surprising most candidates who received funds from CHE are influential party leaders, Guillory said.

All candidates receiving $4,000 were male. Only two were not incumbents.

"We wanted to support candidates who supported the university system who were in leadership positions," said CHE de facto Director Paul Fulton. "We are supporting winners."

Senate Minority Leader Patrick Ballantine, R-New Hanover, received $4,000 from CHE. Ballantine is influential in the Senate and has always supported UNC, said Joel Raupe, Ballantine's administrative assistant.

"It is a larger contribution than we are used to," Raupe said. "However, Ballantine is a serious contender for majority leader. He is the Republican leader and a UNC graduate."

Sen. Howard Lee, D-Orange, who received $4,000, was defeated in the primaries by fellow incumbent Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, also D-Orange, more than a month before the disbursements.

Guillory said these funds probably will be used to help pay off campaign debts or as contributions to other legislators.

Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, D-Cumberland, who also received $4,000, said he was not surprised by the donation. He said he appreciated the support and would continue to serve as an advocate for the University.

"I have been as involved with UNC as I could be," he said. "I have two degrees from Chapel Hill. I have two sons each with two degrees from Chapel Hill. My brother has two degrees from Chapel Hill, but my sister only has one. I know virtually everyone involved with the committee."

According to CHE's disbursement report, two $4,000 payments were made to the same residential address -- one to Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight's campaign and one to the Democratic N.C. Senate Committee.

The NCSC is the only non-candidate organization to receive funds.

"They probably mailed the check to Marc Basnight as the representative of the Senate committee to give to us," said NCSC Director Zach Ambrose.

The NCSC helps elect Democrats to the Senate. It has a committee of members who make the financial decisions, he said.

"Basnight plays a large role in the N.C. Senate Committee," Ambrose said, "He guides the activities of the other members."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.