Spending in Congressional Elections: A Never-Ending Spiral

This study examines federal campaign spending during 1985 to 1986 congressional election cycle. It provides information about the major components of our congressional campaign finance system. Among other factors, the report analyzes the differences in spending in close Senate and House races between winners and losers. The report also scrutinizes spending by incumbents vs. challengers, and examines the proportion of House and Senate candidates’ receipts from PAC funds.