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Federal Election Commission | United States of America
  • Press Release

1998 Congressional Candidates Raise $233 Million

March 6, 1998

News Releases, Media Advisories

 

For Immediate Release Contact: Ian Stirton March 6, 1998 Ron Harris Sharon Snyder Kelly Huff

1998 Congressional Candidates Raise $233 Million

 

blockquote

Washington -- Breaking all records for previous non-election year fundraising, 1.037 candidates for 1998 U.S. Senate and House seats raised $232.9 million and spent $112.1 million during 1997, and entered the election year with cash-on-hand of $207.1 million,according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Receipts during 1997 for this year’s congressional campaigns increased by $48 million , a 26% rise, compared to the same period in the previous election cycle. Much of this increase occurred in Senate campaigns where many large states have races in 1998 such as California, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois. Senate receipts were up 44% while House receipts were up 16%.

The following table compares non-election year activities for all Senate and House campaigns in the last six cycles:

 

Cycle

Receipts

Disbursements

Cash on Hand

98

$232.9

$112.1

$207.1

96

$184.9

$96.5

$141.7

94

$170.7

$102.5

$121.4

92

$159.9

$89.5

$159.7

90

$128.1

$70.8

$129.1

88

$111.5

$58.6

$108.9

 

Charts on pages 4 and 5 of this release separately detail comparison figures for Senate and House campaigns in non-election years from 1987 through 1997.

Candidates for U.S. Senate raised $96.7 million, spent $38.9 million, and had $84.8 cash -on-hand on December 31, 1997. Comparisons of Senate races between cycles is difficult due to the different nature of the states involved.

House candidates reported $136.2 million in receipts, $73.2 million in disbursements, and cash-on-hand of $122.3 million.

Candidates of both parties showed increased fundraising in races for both chambers. Senate Democratic candidates reported a 45% increase in receipts when compared to the same period in the previous cycle, while Republican candidate receipts were up 39%. House Democratic candidates reported a 16% increase in receipts while receipts for House Republican candidates were up 5%.

Contributions from individuals continue to be the largest source of campaign funds. In 1997, individual contributions totalled $134.7 million, or 58% of monies raised. PAC money accounted for $62.7 million, or 27%. Candidate money, either in the form of direct contributions or loans, totalled $18.6 million, representing 8% of total revenues.

This release contains summary tables on all registered 1998 U.S. Senate and House candidates. Comparison summary figures for previous non-election years are also provided. A six-year financial summary is given for each Senate candidate, as well as the 1991 non-election year activity (the last time these seats were contested) in these same states. Each House candidate who raised or spent money during 1997 is listed, followed by rankings of all Senate and House candidates in categories of monies raised and spent, amounts received from individuals and PACs, cash-on-hand, and debts.

 

 

 

FOOTNOTES

 

1. Figures in the first two tables and the detailed listing of candidates cover from January 1, 1997, or whenever the campaign registered during the year, through December 31, 1997 or the last report filed by the campaign as indicated.

 

2. Net receipt and net disbursement figures are total receipts and total disbursements, as reported by the campaigns, minus any money transferred between committees of the same campaign.

 

3. Columns entitled "other Cmte Contributions" are monies contributed to campaigns by PACs and other committees as reported by the campaigns. Other committees include primarily committees of other candidates.

 

4. On the Senate listings, the column titled "Candidate Support" includes contributions by the candidate as well as loans made or guaranteed by the candidate. The column titled "trans from other auth" includes monies transferred from House committees of candidates for the Senate, as well as proceeds from joint fundraising activity among several candidates or committees. Contributions from individuals and PACs made through these joint fundraising efforts are NOT included in the "Individual Contributions" or "Non Party Contributions" columns.

 

 

 

<lockquote> Information attached to this release provides summary data on the following:

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This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.

The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.