Author Description

House & Senate candidates spent a total of $1.157 billion seeking office during 2003-2004, according to a Federal Election Commission summary. The 2,219 candidates who participated in primary & general election campaigns for the U.S. Congress raised a total of $1.206 billion during those 2 years. These figures were 24% higher than the Congressional campaigns of 2002. During 2003-2004, Senate candidates raised $497.5 million & spent $496.4 million, about 52% more than 2002 levels. House candidates also increased their financial activity during 2003-2004, raising $708.5 million, 10% above 2002 totals, while spending $660.3 million, up 7% from the previous election. Charts & tables.