Endorsement Methodology Publication
Purpose
This publication explains proposed public-facing standards for describing how Florida Principles PAC researches, evaluates, recommends, approves, announces, and reviews endorsements.
Scope
This publication applies to the public endorsement methodology page, candidate evaluation explanations, due diligence summaries, endorsement announcements, reconsideration statements, and related public materials.
Definitions
- Endorsement: A PAC-approved public statement supporting a candidate, position, or campaign activity.
- Methodology: The criteria, process, review, and approval framework used to evaluate endorsements.
- Public explanation: A public statement describing the basis and status of an endorsement decision.
Policy Statements
The PAC should publish methodology before relying on it as a public standard. Public methodology should distinguish adopted criteria from drafts, explain review steps, identify decision authority, and avoid claiming candidate support that has not been approved.
Candidate research, scoring, due diligence, board approval, and public explanation must follow adopted endorsement governance before publication.
Responsibilities
Endorsement owners prepare methodology materials. The Founder or approved decision authority reviews publication. Legal review is required for compliance-sensitive statements.
User Rights and Responsibilities
Candidates and members of the public may request clarification or correction of public endorsement methodology materials.
Prohibited Conduct
The PAC should not publish fabricated candidate facts, undisclosed conflicts, unapproved endorsements, private candidate information, or misleading methodology claims.
Review and Enforcement
Methodology publication should be reviewed each election cycle and after material process changes.
Corrections or Appeals Process
Requests should identify the methodology statement, candidate or process affected, evidence, and requested correction.
Records and Retention
Methodology drafts, approvals, source frameworks, public explanations, and correction records should be retained.
Related Documents
- Endorsement Governance Policy
- Candidate Evaluation Policy
- Due Diligence Policy
- Conflict of Interest Policy
- Corrections Policy