These two data sets contain reports on financial activities of U.S. Senate and House of Representative Campaigns in 1979-1980 and 1981-1982. Data were collected and disseminated by the Federal Election Commission.

The two data sets contain information on the campaigns of all individuals who registered under the Federal Election Campaign Act as 1979 or 1980 candidates (2,288), and as 1981 or 1982 (2,240) candidates for the Federal offices of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. In addition, information is included on those who were certified by the appropriate state authorities as official candidates for Senate or House Offices in a 1979-1980 or 1981-1982 primary, run-off, convention/caucus, or general election, but who were not officially registered as candidates under the Federal Election Campaign Act.

Data for each election year include summarized financial disclosure information on each campaign including total number and dollar amounts of receipts and disbursements, and a breakdown of campaign contributions by size and type of contribution. Also included is information filed by each contributor on contributions made to candidates and/or expenditures on behalf of candidates.

The Murray Center holds computer-accessible data.