At this stage of the 2016 campaign, the leadership PAC has become a vehicle of choice for presidential candidates. Common among members of Congress, but a relatively new device for those not holding federal office, such PACs enable prospective candidates to build donor lists, travel to early primary states and court future support by contributing to local officials and state parties, without having to formally declare a candidacy. "It can be used as a warm-up to the main attraction," said Anthony Corrado, a professor of government at Colby College in Maine who has done extensive research on campaign finance.
Campaign cash: 'Leadership PACs' becoming vehicle of choice for presidential candidates - LA Times
