WASHINGTON -- October 29 -- The Center for Public Integrity will be available to answer questions and provide comments on campaign finance and the election in general on Election Day and throughout the evening this Nov. 2.

Campaign Data:

527 Groups:

The Center has extensive research on these "Silent Partners." Call us for up-to-date data on the money-raising spending habits of 527s-including America Coming Together, the Media Fund, Progress for America Voter Fund, Swift Boat Vets and POWs for Truth and more. As of Oct. 18, 2004, 527s had raised $391 million during the 2003-2004 election cycle.

Electioneering Communications Advertisements:

The Center has the only database tracking reports of broadcast ads purchased by 527 groups to influence presidential or congressional races. As of Oct. 22, 2004, 527s bought more than $58 million worth of television and radio airtime, with $52 million going toward the presidential contest. Contact us for the most recent totals.

Recount Refresher:

The Center will closely follow any recount committees formed to work on the 2004 race. In 2000, the recount committees formed as 527 groups and raised almost $15 million. The Bush-Cheney group raised $11.1 million, while the Gore-Lieberman operation raised $3.6 million. Get in touch with us for quick data on recounts, past and present.

Experts:

Charles Lewis, executive director: commentary 202-481-1234

Aron Pilhofer, database editor: federal campaign finance, 527s, 202-481-1201 (desk) or 202-669-3566 (cell)

Derek Willis, writer/database specialist: 527s, federal and state campaign finance, 202-481-1208 (desk) or 202-904-1168 (cell)

Alex Knott, Political Editor: federal lobbying; 202-481-1251 (desk) or 202-270-2539 (cell)

Center for Public Integrity 527 Web site: http://www.publicintegrity.org/527

The Center for Public Integrity is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that conducts investigative reporting and research on public policy issues in this country and around the world.

###