NEWS

RELEASE
For immediate release: For more
information:
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 Blair Horner 518
669-0886
Bill Mahoney 518 817-
3738

NYPIRG’S 2008 ELECTION “TALE OF THE TAPE”

SHOWS NUMBER OF INCUMBENTS BEAT IN GENERAL ELECTION AND CAMPAIGN
SPENDING DISPARITIES

Below are the numbers of incumbents defeated in the general elections since 1982.
YEARS NUMBERS OF INCUMBENTS WHO LOST IN THE
GENERAL ELECTION
1982 3
1984 6
1986 1
1988 3
1990 3
1992 2
1994 4
1996 2
1998 0
2000 1
2002 5
2004 4
2006 1
2008 4 or 5i
Total 39 or 40

Below are the spending disparities through the 11 day pre-general filings for Senate candidates:
Type of race Number of races?
Unchallenged Incumbents 14
Incumbents vs. challengers who did not file CF 17
disclosure with BoE
Incumbents who outspent challengers by 10:1 or 9
greater
Incumbents who outspent challengers, but by 13
less than 10:1
Challengers who outspent incumbents 4

107 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor • Albany, New York 12210-2270 • 518-436-0876 • Fax 518-432-6178
The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan research and advocacy organization established, directed and
supported by New York State college and university students. NYPIRG’s staff of lawyers, researchers and organizers works with students and other
citizens, developing citizenship skills and shaping public policy. Environmental preservation, consumer protection, fiscal responsibility, political
reform, and social justice are NYPIRG’s principal areas of concern.
Recycled paper
 Races with no incumbents 5

Below are the spending disparities through the 11 day pre-general filings for Assembly
candidates:
Type of race Number of races?
Unchallenged Incumbents 40
Incumbents vs. challengers who did not file CF 54
disclosure with BoE
Incumbents who outspent challengers by 10:1 or 23
greater
Incumbents who outspent challengers, but by 21
less than 10:1
Challengers who outspent incumbents 6
Races with no incumbents 6
i
Based on unofficial results as declared by the Associated Press. As of 9:00 AM on 11/5/08, one
race had yet to be declared by them.