The Nation : Special-Interest Election Spending Rises

The political spending habits of special interest groups moderated during the last election cycle, but still reached a record $349.6 million, a federal agency said. Spending by 4,828 political action committees (PACS) rose 5% during 1987 and 1988 over what it had been for the previous two-year cycle, according to figures compiled by the Federal Election Commission. By comparison, that 1985 and 1986 spending had represented a 22% jump over the prior reporting period, 1983 and 1984. Democrats, who control both houses of Congress, benefit most from the generosity of the special interests, according to the commission’s figures. The groups tend to favor incumbents, and incumbents tend to win reelection. In 1987 and 1988, about $1.2 billion overall was spent on campaigns for Congress and President, including money from the federal government, individuals, political parties and PACs.