Senate Candidates' Fundraising Pace Increasing

SENATE CANDIDATES'''' FUNDRAISING PACE INCREASING

WASHINGTON-Fifty-eight candidates vying for 34 Senate seats in 1998 raised $42.6 million and spent $10.8 million during the first six months of 1997, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Although comparisons of Senate races are difficult because of the different states involved, mid-year reports in 1997 filed by 58 candidates indicate more fundraising activity than the six-month filings by candidates in the past two election cycles. In 1991, the last election cycle for the present group of 34 Senate seats (plus two special elections), 55 candidates reported raising $33.3 million and spending $10 million. In 1993, 50 Senate campaigns raised almost $25 million and spent $7 million. In 1995, 33 Senate seats attracted 49 candidates, who raised $24 million and spent $10 million.

From January 1 through June 30, 1997, contributions from individuals accounted for $24 million, or 56.3 percent of the total raised by Senate candidates. PAC money totaled $8 million and represented 18.8 percent of receipts.

Candidates began the second half of the non-election year with $58.8 million cash on hand and debts of $5.4 million, which may relate to previous elections.

The attached pages provide summary statistical information on each candidate. Financial activity for 1993-94 and 1995-96 is also included, where available. The next reports for Senate campaigns are due January 31, 1998, and will cover the last six months of 1997.

Senate Campaign Finance Activity