America Coming Together (ACT) was a liberal, political action, 527 group dedicated to get-out-the-vote activities. ACT did not specifically endorse any political party, but mostly worked on behalf of Democratic candidates. They were the largest 527 group in 2004 and were planning on being involved in races in the future. They were primarily funded by Peter Lewis, George Soros, and labor unions, especially the Service Employees International Union, and led by Steve Rosenthal, who is the former political director for the AFL-CIO.

In the last three weeks leading up to the 2004 presidential and congressional elections, ACT planned on funding over 12 million phone calls to targeted voters and having canvassers hand-deliver 11 million pieces of literature at targeted doorsteps. On Election Day, ACT had projected to have 45,000 paid canvassers in the battleground states and spent over $10 million on Election Day. They had 86 offices open every day and a staff of 4000 and a goal of reinforcing the army of 45,000 paid canvassers with 25,000 volunteers.

In the Fall of 2004, the group was featured on the Frontline Documentary, The Persuaders. Their particular segment was focused on their usage the more commonly-practiced tactic of narrowcasting.

In 2005 ACT was in the process of being wound down. Its website was not renewed and is no longer operational.

The Federal Election Commission recently announced that it had reached a settlement agreement with ACT for violations of various federal campaign finance laws during the 2004 US preidential campaign. ACT has agreed to pay $775,000 in fines.

References

1. ^ Edsall, Thomas B.. "Soros-Backed Activist Group Disbands as Interest Fades", Washington Post, The Washington Post Company, 2005-08-03, pp. A06. Retrieved on 2007-09-21. 
2. ^ FEC Press Release August 29, 2007 http://www.fec.gov/press/press2007/20070829act.shtml