Answer :
PACs generally support incumbents because they have a higher likelihood of winning, hold influential positions in Washington, and have an established voting record, all of which make them more attractive to PACs as a safe and known investment. Hence, option A) Incumbents is the correct answer.
Political Action Committees (PACs) generally support incumbents, or those who are in office and are running for reelection, rather than challengers, independents, or third-party candidates. The reasoning behind this preference lies in three main advantages that incumbents possess: a higher likelihood of winning, influential Washington experience with committee positions, and an established voting record on national issues, making them a known quantity to PACs.
Incumbents tend to win elections more often, making it a safer investment for PACs to contribute to their campaigns. Additionally, incumbents usually have Washington experience, which might include serving on important committees or being committee and subcommittee chairmen—a factor that attracts significant amounts of PAC money. Finally, incumbents have a public voting record, which reduces uncertainty for PACs when deciding whom to support.
Over time, the number of PACs has grown substantially, with more than 4,000 registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The tendency of PACs to favor incumbents has become well-established, as these officials often have not only the financial advantage but also greater public visibility, media access, and established campaign infrastructures. This incumbency advantage often deters competent challengers from entering races, thereby reinforcing the cycle of support for incumbents by interest groups and PACs. Hence, option A) Incumbents is the correct answer.