For Immediate Release: Contact: Ian Stirton
June 05, 2000 Ron Harris
Sharon Snyder
Kelly Huff
Congressional Campaign Receipts continue to Increase
--Up $125 Million Over Previous Election Cycle--
WASHINGTON – Campaign receipts of Congressional candidates increased $124.6 million, or 37%, during the first 15 months of this cycle compared to the same period in 1997-98, according to a compilation by the Federal Election Commission.
The FEC found that 1754 Senate and House candidates raised $462.8 million and spent $252.4 million during the period January 1, 1999, through March 31, 2000. In Senate contests, 228 candidates raised $174.7 million and spent $85 million, while 1526 House candidates raised $288.1 million and spent $167.4 million.
The following table details a 15-month comparison of campaign activity for Senate and House candidates in the last six election cycles:
Election # of
Cycle Candidates Receipts Disbursements Cash on Hand
99-00 1754 $462.8 $252.4 $318.9 97-98 1509 $338.2 $184.9 $236.6 95-96 1839 $297.0 $177.8 $169.8 93-94 1881 $253.9 $163.6 $140.6 91-92 2053 $247.5 $170.1 $160.4 89-90 1269 $192.5 $126.6 $138.5
(figures in millions of dollars)
While receipts for the Senate races in 2000 increased for both Republican and Democratic candidates, cycle-to-cycle comparisons of Senate activity are difficult because, unlike House races, different seats in different states are up for election each cycle.
In House races, receipts also increased for candidates of both parties. Democrats reported a $42.7 million increase in receipts, (47%), when compared to the same period in the previous cycle, while receipts for House Republican candidates rose $47 million, or 44%. Among the more notable gains were Democratic challengers in House races, where 300 candidates raised $29.2 million, an increase of $17.7 million, or 153%, when compared to the same period in the previous cycle. Also registering large increases were 148 Republican House candidates for open seat races, raising $39 million, a jump of $26.4 million or 200%.
Contributions from individuals continue to be the largest source of campaign funds. During the first 15 months of the 2000 cycle, individual contributions totalled $272.7 million, or 59% of monies raised. PAC money accounted for $113.9 million, or 25%. Candidate money, either in direct contributions or loans, totalled $53.5 million, representing 12% of total revenues.
Tables attached to this release offer summary data for Senate and House candidates by political party, as well as by candidate status (incumbent, challenger, or open seat). Also included are rankings of Senate and House candidates for the following categories: receipts, individual contributions, PAC or other committee contributions, disbursements, cash-on-hand and debts. Six-year financial summaries of Senate candidates for 2000, as well as current cycle financial summaries for each House race are also attached. Financial information on House special elections is separately listed.
This release and the data contained in it are also available on the FEC’s web page at http:www.fec.gov under News Releases or Campaign Finance Reports and Data.
Information attached to this release provides summary data on the following: