Second Annual RADPAC Gala
On April 12, more than 600 ACR members attended the Second Annual RADPAC Gala. The evening featured remarks from keynote speaker Sen David Vitter (R, La). Vitter, a late substitute for House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, who was unable to attend for health reasons, expressed his support for the ACR's key legislative priorities, including the overutilization of imaging services. The brother of an ACR member, Vitter is keenly aware of the importance of such issues to the profession of radiology and is supportive of ensuring the quality delivery of care to patients.
The evening also included recognition of RADPAC contributors and a performance by the renowned satirical group Capitol Steps.
RADPAC Hosts Successful Fund-raiser with J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the US House of Representatives
On April 21, RADPAC hosted a fund-raising breakfast for the Keep Our Majority PAC (KOMPAC). The event included an appearance by J. Dennis Hastert, speaker of the US House of Representatives. RADPAC helped raise more than $52,000 for this event. The speaker talked at length on issues important to the medical community such as overutilization of imaging services,
physician reimbursement, and medical liability reform. Approximately 20 guests attended the event, representing various health specialty organizations.
Additional RADPAC Fund-raisers
In May, RADPAC hosted 2 fund-raising events in its Washington, DC, office. The first was held May 10 for Rep Sherrod Brown (D, Ohio), ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. This event raised close to $20,000.
The second fund-raising event took place on May 16 for Rep Charles "Chip" Pickering (R, Miss), a member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and vice chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee. More than $12,000 was raised for Pickering.
RADPAC also hosted a fund-raising event for Sen Craig Thomas (R, Wyo), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, on May 17. This event brought in more than $15,000.
RADPAC Ahead of Last Year's Pace
One of the RADPAC board's primary goals for the 2005-2006 election cycle was to increase overall membership participation in RADPAC from the 8% in the 2003-2004 election cycle to 20% in this 2005-2006 election cycle.
RADPAC started the month of May with more than 900 contributors, a feat that RADPAC did not reach in 2004 until late June. This is a sign that ACRa members are doing what they can to help RADPAC reach the 20% contribution participation goal for the 2005-2006 election cycle.
