1. Average Campaign Contributions by Type of Candidate (2008)
Chapter 5: Congress
Figure 5-4 in the textbook shows the advantage incumbents have over challengers in the amount of money they can raise and spend. This figure also demonstrates the incumbent advantage in fund-raising in the 2008 election. This figure shows, however, that candidates running for open seats in this election, or seats where the incumbent is not running, tend to raise more money than candidates who challenge incumbents, but not so much money as do incumbents. Why do you think that is the case?
Source: Center for Responsive Politics,
(Accessed Aug. 3, 2009)
Average Campaign Contributions by Type of Candidate (2008)