EXPENSIVE RACES FOR CONGRESS

posted by Christopher Conover

A new report from the Federal Elections Commission shows that Congressional candidates raised $285.2 million dollars in the first six months of 2011. According to the FEC some Arizona candidates are some of the top fundraisers in the nation.

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is 32nd in House when it comes to fundraising by incumbents. According to the FEC she raised $683, 964 between January 1 and June 30, 2011. Neither Giffords nor her staff has announced whether or not the Congresswoman will seek reelection in 2012.

In his race for the Senate, Congressman Jeff Flake has a number of top spots when it comes to fundraising. He is ranked 26th among Senate candidates when it comes to receipts. He brought in $ 1,863,591 during the first half of the year. Flake is number 24 when it comes to cash on hand with $2,002,620 in the bank. And he is 19th when it comes to expenses. The Flake campaign spent $488, 822 during the first six months of 2011.

To get a closer look at the campaign expenses of Giffords and Flake you can check out AZPM’s analysis of the numbers.

Other Arizona candidates making the list include Ann Kirkpatrick who is number 36 when it comes to fundraising by Congressional challengers. She brought in $243, 391 during the first half of 2011.

Kirk Adams is 39th amongst Congressional challengers when it comes to fundraising. He brought in $230,525 since declaring his candidacy.