Ranking: 7
Total contributions to super PACs: $2.55 million*
- $2.55 million to Cooperative of American Physicians IE Committee
Corporate subsidiaries: Cooperative of American Physicians Insurance Services, Inc.
Total spent on federal lobbying (2007-2011): $270,000
Lobbying issues: Limiting medical malpractice lawsuits.
Background:
The Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc., has made $2.5 million in contributions during the 2012 election cycle, making it a top donor to super PACs, with all of its money going to the affiliated Cooperative of American Physicians IE Committee. Most of that money came in two direct transfers from the corporation to the super PAC.
The Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc., is owned and governed by California doctors. Members qualify to buy medical malpractice insurance through the Mutual Protection Trust, which provides coverage to 12,000 doctors, according to the company. CAP, as it is commonly known, supports medical liability reform; that is, they advocated for legislation that makes it more difficult for patients to bring medical malpractice suits.
CAP has long been politically active, and has both state and federal political action committees.
Following the Citizens United U.S. Supreme Court decision, the corporation created the well-funded super PAC. The group hasn’t done much though. Of approximately $632,000 the Cooperative of American Physicians IE Committee has spent during the 2011-2012 election cycle, only about $102,000 of that money has been spent aiding a candidate. Last year, the group supported California Democrat Janice Hahn, who won a 2011 special election in California's 36th Congressional District. The rest of the money its spent has gone to legal, consulting and accounting fees, travel reimbursements, polling and dues to other organizations.
With nearly $2 million of corporate money still in the bank, the CAP super PAC may be worth keeping an eye on.
Last updated: April 25, 2012
*2011-2012 election cycle; source: Federal Election Commission