Why super PACs?

We discussed super PACs in class earlier, and with election season in full swing now, super PACs are once again becoming major players. True, super PACs are supposed to be independent from candidates, but they can support or oppose whomever they choose.

But why do these individuals donate so much money to candidates? (for a breakdown of the financing, click here http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/01/31/us/politics/super-pac-donors.html?ref=politics ) And where does the money go?

The second question is pretty easy: the money goes to the candidates, to fund ad campaigns and more expensive things...okay yes, that makes sense.

But WHY do these people donate such large sums of money? Obviously they have enough money to invest in their hobbies and interests; but why choose to create or donate to a super PAC? There must be some sort of reward to this. Sure, they are promoting a cause and their belief, but there must be something else.

Although, maybe there isn't some corrupted ulterior motive driving these multimillionares and corporation owners to finance candidates. Maybe they are just donating from the good of their hearts...but then again, why don't they donate to America, by agreeing to pay a bit more in taxes to help the others?

What do you think: why do individuals create super PACs? What's in it for them?

**this morning I read that the Republican candidates are running out of funds and relying more heavily on super PACs, giving these individuals and organizations a much larger say in government. Click here for a NY times article on depleting funds.