Talk:House Conservatives Fund

Bob et al,

It took me long enough, but I've finally sat down and looked through your listing for the House Conservatives Fund. There are quite a few things that need to be updated on a factual basis, and there are plenty of other things that can be said about us in our current incarnation. The factual updates are as follows:



During the 109th Congress, the HCF was first led by Rep. Ernest Istook, but he stepped down as chairman upon his decision to run for governor of Oklahoma. At that point, Congressman Tom Feeney (R-FL) was named chairman of the House Conservatives Fund, and he took over in November of 2005.


 * Done

www.houseconservatives.com is indeed our website, and it was revamped and relaunched in early July 2006. It now features profiles of our endorsed candidates, Member of the Week features, regular news updates and occasional blog entries as well as photos and other multimedia content.


 * Interesting but not sure that needs to go on the page as long as readers can follow the weblink

We still do not get involved in races against Republican incumbents, choosing instead to focus on conservative candidates running in open seats and challenging Democrat incumbents.


 * covered in Roff article citation so I can't see the need to restate it

To date, we have endorsed four challengers (David McSweeney vs. Rep. Melissa Bean in IL-8, Jeff Lamberti vs. Rep. Leonard Boswell in IA-3, Van Taylor vs. Rep. Chet Edwards in TX-17, and Ralph Norman vs. Rep. John Spratt in SC-5) and nine open seat candidates:

-Rep. John Campbell (Special election CA-48)* -Jim Jordan (OH-4)* -Adrian Smith (NE-3)* -Bill Sali (ID-1)* -Doug Lamborn (CO-5)* -Sharron Angle (NV-2)* -Michele Bachmann (MN-6) -Peter Roskam (IL-6) -Mike Whalen (IA-1) -Ray Meier (NY-24)

The first six names represent candidates whom we endorsed in their contested primaries. To date, we are undefeated in primaries (5 for 5) under Rep. Feeney's Chairmanship.

The "lobbyist steering committee" concept as suggested in your article is not currently accurate. We do have some lobbyists who help out with hosting events and encouraging others to attend our events, but no lobbyists have any input in which candidates we support.

As of early August 2006, HCF has raised more than $500,000 for the 2006 election cycle, with a renewed focus on individual donors from across the country. Recent fundraisers in Washington DC include a general PAC reception which raised roughly $40,000 and a Kentucky Bourbon tasting, which was identified by CongressDaily as a "Hot Ticket." Upcoming events include a Bass Fishing tournament hosted by Hon. Dick Armey.

We are also hosting an event known as CHAMP - Conservatives Helping to Advance the Majority Party - on September 14. This is the HCF's ROMP event for its endorsed conservative candidates.

We do not currently work with Oxford Communications or any other Public Relations firm.

Contact details:

Mike Bober Executive Director, House Conservatives Fund PO Box 2752 Washington, DC 20013-2752



Any questions or clarifications, please call me at (202) 441-1236 or email me at mbober AT houseconservatives.com. Thanks!