Pro-Perry PAC Alters Name and Course

One of the major political action committees backing the bid of Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry is about to change its name and expand its reach, according to a report in Roll Call.

The PAC known as "Americans For Rick Perry" on October 1st will change to the "Restoring Prosperity Fund." The PAC is run by California political consultant Bob Schuman who says, "Having his name on it, we felt might be confusing to small donors."

Schuman says the PAC is aiming to raise at least $6 million between now and the Republican primary in California. He points out his group saw an increase in donations after the Iowa Straw Poll last month, at the time Perry entered the race.

The change of name also marks the start of the PAC's plan to in Schuman's words, "a more permanent oorganization." If Perry does not win the primary, the new name makes it easier for the PAC to climb on board the campaign of a different candidate.

PACs like the one Schuman runs are on the rise for the 2012 campaign courtesy of a U.S. Supreme Court decision which permits such groups to raise funds and spend a limitless amount of union and corporate donations as long as they don't coordinate such efforts with candidates.

A second pro-Perry PAC, "Make Us Great Again," has major plans for 2012. According to an internal document, the PAC has plans to spend as much as $55 million next year. PAC spokesman Jason Miller told Roll Call, "The initial $55 million was from an early planning document so I wouldn't put too much stock in any one detail."

Miller declined to give specifics on the PAC's fundraising goal.