Congressional Spending Tops $683 Million
For Immediate Release: Contact: Ian Stirton
November 2, 2000 Ron Harris
Sharon Snyder
Ian Stirton
CONGRESSIONAL SPENDING TOPS $683 MILLION
WASHINGTON - Congressional candidates involved in next Tuesday’s general election
have raised a record $800.7 million and spent $683.1 million, according to pre-election
reports filed through October 18, 2000. This represents a 39% increase in fundraising and
a 42% increase in spending over 1998 totals. Candidates began the last 20 days of the
campaign with $225.4 million cash-on-hand.
Both House and Senate candidates recorded increases in fundraising. In 34 Senate races,
108 candidates raised $327.2 million, an increase of 52% over the same period in 1997-98.
Spending reached $298.6 million, up 53% over the previous cycle. Individuals made up the
bulk of the fundraising, contributing $186.5 million, or 57%. PACs contributed $45.4
million (14%). While candidate contributions and loans totalled $75.8 million, one
campaign accounted for $52.8 million of that amount. Senate candidates reported $51.9
million cash-on-hand for the final days of the campaign.
In House races, 804 candidates raised $473.4 million and spent $384.6 million. This
represents a 31% increase in fundraising and a 35% increase in spending. House candidates
received $254.7 million from individuals (54%), $168 million from PACs (35%), and $29.2
million (6%) from the candidates themselves in contributions and loans. For the final
three weeks of the campaign, House candidates reported $173.5 million in cash reserves.
Through September 30, all Congressional candidates, including primary losers, reported
raising over $859.5 million and spending $674.2 million. This is an increase of 34% in
fundraising and a 35% increase in spending over the same period in the previous cycle.
Information attached to this release offers overall summary data by political party, as
well as by candidate status (incumbent, challenger, open-seat), comparable pre-general
election summary figures for the past five election cycles, a six-year overview of each
Senate campaign, listings of each House race, and candidate rankings. A special table is
included with median receipt and disbursement figures for various categories of House
candidates.
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 provided in this report includes:
1999-2000 Financial Activity of
Senate and House General Election Campaigns
Financial Activity of General
Election Congressional Candidates - 1999-2000
Median Activity of House Candidates
Through 20 Days Before the Election
1999-2000 Financial Activity of
Senate and House Campaigns
Six Year Financial Summary for 2000
Senate Campaigns Through October 18, 2000
Contributions from Individuals
Contributions from Individuals