Engineers and scientists are the backbone of our industrial and technology-based economy. However, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals hold very few elected offices. Scientists and engineers can bring diversity of perspective and experience, and restore a more collaborative and collegial working environment to government. Funding for basic scientific research, whi
ch underpins much of the innovation and technological development that has made the US economy, is being squeezed under the guise of “small government.” Conservative elected officials, influenced by unlimited special interest campaign money, oppose expanding our scientific understanding of key issues, including medicine, public health, technology, and—the most pressing concern of our time—climate change. Engineers and scientists are uniquely qualified to advocate for these issues. Scientific and technological discovery and development are driving forces that push societies and their economies to evolve, to the benefit of their citizens. Our current situation, in which big-money special interests have undue influence over government leaders who have limited scientific understanding, has constrained the evolution of our society. STEM education and work experience trains people to objectively observe and discern facts from opinions, and to make decisions dispassionately and based on evidence.
314PAC was created to recruit a new generation of leaders with scientific and technical education and experience to candidacy for elected office. Most of our candidates will not come from the traditional career paths of politicians, and will need different channels for funding and support. 314PAC intends to leverage the goals and values of the greater science, technology, engineering and mathematics community to give these new recruits the resources they need to become viable, credible, Democratic candidates.
