We've begun posting detailed data from electioneering communications filings on the ftp server - ec_exp_2010.csv or ec_exp_2010.txt. (We have some background on this activity and the reporting system.) We'll be posting this file on the same schedule we're using for independent expenditures - a new version at the start of each business day and another one late in the afternoon (eastern time).
Here's the format for the file;
Keep in mind that there may be some duplication in this file if groups submit the same information to us more than once.
Many entries seem to appear as a set of two lines, with the first line specifying the SPE_NAME (Name of Group) along with EXP_AMO (Disbursement Amount) BUT with blanks for candidate info and state info.
The second line then has blanks for SPE_NAME and EXP_AMO and then specifies the CAND_NM (Candidate Name) and CAND_OFFICE_ST (Candidate Office State).
On my first look there appears to be a different TRAN_ID (Transaction ID) for the two lines but many blank fields in each of the two lines. A field is blank in one line and the same field has info in the other of the pair.
Why not merge all the info into a single line and just have two transaction IDs?
Connecting Groups and Candidates , and extracting info for a particular state should not be as hard as it appears to be.
Posted by Earl F Glynn on September 25, 2010 at 08:52 PM EDT #
Posted by Paul on September 30, 2010 at 06:43 PM EDT #
Posted by Math Tutor - Malek H. on November 03, 2010 at 03:01 PM EDT #