How We Select Candidates
How does the Colorado Association of Home Builders select candidates to support?
Given that our Association spends a lot of time and effort to raise money in support of Builder friendly
candidates, this is a logical question. By the time we are deciding which candidates to support, we are well into
the “political cycle of life.” The cycle includes raising money into our political entities, interviewing candidates,
compiling incumbent records, possibly getting involved in campaigns, without coordinating with the campaigns,
through independent expenditures and, ultimately, working with these lawmakers once they get elected. Then
the cycle starts all over again two years later. So, let’s answer the endorsement question by explaining the process
CAHB uses to decide which candidates will receive CAHB support at the federal and state level.
Federal Candidates
With incumbents running for re-election at the federal level, NAHB will review their voting record on important
Builder issues and several other factors important to our industry, such as key committee votes, access by NAHB
staff, etc. If the legislative record is good and NAHB believes the incumbent deserves our support, they work
with CAHB and our local associations to review the record and make a joint recommendation for support to
NAHB’s BUILD-PAC Trustees. If NAHB and CAHB decide to support a challenger over the incumbent, it’s
because the incumbent’s record on NAHB and CAHB issues is not very good.
In either case, a decision to support or oppose a candidate is made with great attention paid to two important
factors: for an incumbent, what is the candidate’s record; and for a new challenger, how would they likely vote
on homebuilding and property issues? The process to reach a decision is very thorough.
State Candidates
For state legislative seats, the PFC has final authority. In legislative seats with no incumbent running (open
seats), CAHB lobbyists and staff participate on candidate interview teams along with our business community
allies and conducts a formal face-to-face candidate interview with most all candidates running in a specific
district. Staff and lobbyists then make a recommendation to support candidates to the PFC. Often, the PFC will
accept the recommendation.
With incumbents, it starts with their record but also considers other factors as well. If the incumbent has a record
of support with CAHB, they receive Builder support using much the same criteria as NAHB’s BUILD-PAC
Trustees consider. If the incumbent’s record is poor, we may set up discussions or interviews with the incumbent
and any challengers to determine possible support.
The bottom line: at each level, the candidates, their records, their responses to specific questions, and their
philosophy and approach to business and Builder issues are key. Candidates who deserve our support often
receive it; those who don’t must look elsewhere for support.
Conclusion
While you may or may not always agree with the recommendations of your Association, the vetting process for
candidate selection is both thorough and logical. Candidates, both Democrat and Republican, who support
Builders are recommended for support. Vote for the candidate of your choice, but factor in the work of your
Association when you decide. It’s not an arbitrary process. Your local, state and national associations care about
your ability to succeed in business and that’s why they put in the time and effort to offer suggestions on which
candidates are the most Builder friendly.