The correct explanation would be:
Groups give to candidates to try to flip their support on an issue, regardless of their party affiliation.
The reality about interest groups and their electoral activities that explains the behavior of the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) PAC and similar groups is often associated with the concept of issue advocacy and the pursuit of their members' interests.
The correct explanation would be:
Groups give to candidates to try to flip their support on an issue, regardless of their party affiliation.
Interest groups, such as the ATPE PAC, typically focus on issues that align with the concerns and interests of their members. In the context of a non-partisan public educator organization, their primary concern might be education policies, funding for schools, teacher salaries, etc. These groups often support candidates who are more likely to champion the issues that matter to them, irrespective of their party affiliation.
By supporting candidates from both major parties, these interest groups aim to influence policymakers and ensure that their concerns are taken into account, regardless of which party is in power. This approach allows them to have a more bipartisan influence on the policymaking process and increases the likelihood of their issues being addressed.
This behavior reflects the pragmatic approach that interest groups often take in supporting candidates who can advance their specific policy agenda, rather than being strictly aligned with a particular political party.