ABSTRACT
Members of Congress usually raise more money than they need for their re-election campaigns. In 1988, the median House incumbent finished the election cycle with nearly $100,000 in the bank; the largest sum was $1.2 million. This chapter examines the implications of contributions and fundraising by party campaign committees. Several members attribute Tony Coelho’s victory to his time at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and to the contributions of his political action committees (PAC) and campaign committee. The most common method by which members assist their potential colleagues is through direct contributions. Although a few members report contributing from their personal funds, most of this activity is through PACs associated with incumbents, or through excess funds in the incumbent’s campaign committee treasury. Most members and staff discount the role of money in the selection of Gray for Budget committee chair, and in the Helms-Lugar contest, where Helm’s victory is best seen as a reaffirmation of the seniority system.
