A new political action committee is hoping to strengthen the political power of Catholics in Kentucky.The Kentucky Catholic PAC was founded by Louisville attorney Vince Heuser after the May primary elections.Heuser says the idea for the state-based PAC stems from two issues that are contentious in the Catholic community. One is a mandate from the federal government that health insurance plans must cover contraceptives. The second is a tussle with state House Democrats over bill that would require women seeking abortions to view an ultrasound of their fetus.Heuser says the PAC plans to support candidates and groups that support the Catholic Church’s initiatives on such issues.“So I think that’s kind of the thought, is that these folks who would participate in this would push back against some of the anti-family ideas being pushed in the public square,” he says.But Heuser says it’s too early to make any estimates on fundraising goals or speculate which candidates the PAC will throw its weight behind.“It’s very early, obviously our focus is going to be coalition building, and participating with other groups and other people involved and that would include candidates,” he says.Heuser says he plans to keep the PAC active for multiple election cycles.
