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Open secrets: The encyclopedia of congressional money & politics
Reviews
737
major exports, such as gold and military weapons, are not included in Soviet statistical reports. Although several tables are devoted to the production and sale of military weapons, those who need more extensive data on military manpower and expenditures may need to consult an annual compilation published by the U.S. Department of Defense and formerly titled Souict Militnry Pmz~r. With the collapse of the Soviet Union the title of this publication was changed to Militcq Forces in Trumition, which may be selected by U.S. federal depository libraries. Pockney has done a commendable job of compiling, organizing, and interpreting many years of Soviet statistics in a handy one-volume compendium. HANS RAUM Starr Library Middlebury College Middlebury, VT 05753 USA
Guide to Statistics in Illinois State Publication, 19851990. Edited and compiled by Sheila H. Nollen and Roberta Palen. Chicago: Government Documents Forum, Illinois Library Association, 1992. 107~. Members $15.00, nonmembers $20.00 from ILA, 33 West Grand Ave., Suite 301, Chicago, IL 60610. Publications by state agencies are rich information sources for demographic, economic, and social conditions but are usually difficult to gain access to without an up-to-date statistical guide. The information in this extensive index to over 300 state publications will be most useful to those with a good collection of Illinois documents, but interlibrary loan provides for wider usage. The inclusion of OCLC numbers in the List of Publications is of interest for cataloging purposes as well. This stand-alone update to two previous editions (from the Illinois State Library) was accomplished by a cooperative effort on the part of two dozen volunteer members of the Government Documents Forum of the Illinois Library Association. Support was provided by the Association. It is a highly laudable model that other states may use as a source of inspiration and information. The guide is limited to items issued by Illinois state agencies. Most, but not all, entries are for serials. It is not intended to be exhaustive. Publications indexed generally cover the years 1985-1990. Because of the diversity of the contributors, style and coverage varies somewhat. This presents no problem for users. The descriptive section is organized around 12 broad subject areas. A brief table of contents makes this classified arrangement easy to use in conjunction with an extensive subject index. Descriptive detail is provided for each entry. followed by frequency, coverage, and the number assigned in the List of Publications. This list includes (in addition to OCLC numbers noted already) place, publisher, and date(s). University of Illinois publications are also included. Nearly one full page of abbreviations is included within the explanatory notes section and probably should have been more directly accessible. In meeting anticipated needs of various levels of use, the editors have more than met their goals. Of additional interest for some is the inclusion of a page describing significant change in Illinois government in the 1980s and a special reference to the Economic Development Database at Illinois State University. which draws from federal and private records as well, for the period of approximately 1980 onwards. This work will be a particularly valuable tool for most libraries in Illinois, especially those without access to the Amcriccln Stcltistics Index and the Sttrtisticrrl Rcjber~c~ Itdc.~. BARBARA CEIZLER SILVER Government Publications Dept. University of California Santa Barbara, CA 93 106 USA
Open Secrets: The Encyclopedia of Congressional Money & Politics. 2nd ed. By Larry Makinson, Center for Responsive Politics. Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly Inc., 1992. 1,339~. ISBN: O-87187-689-2. LCCN: 92-5802. $136.00.
738
Review5
The monetary scandals of the Congress of the United States during the early i9YOs created 3 demand for an account of how much money elected officials receive from both the private and public \ectors. Indeed, the current scrutiny of congressmen by their constituents reaffirms the need for published information on congressional money, campaign funding. and the real versus the cash constituent. O[lorl .Scc,,-czts:Tlrc Etrc~~c~lopetlitr c~f’Cott,~,‘~,.s.~iottrrl Mottc,y d Po1itic.s is B single volume that provides such information as described above. Larry Makinson and the Center for Rc\pon\ive Politics took the raw data from the Federal Election Commission in order to compile a complete analysis of congressional funding. Makin\on writes this book for the “great majority of American> who live hundred\ or thousand\ of miles from Washington. It was written to show everyone where their own members of Congress get the money that keeps them in office. and to reveal the specific industries and intcrcst group4 that are most generous to Congres\ as a whole” (viii). Opctl Scc~rct.thas little narrative. Ba\ed upon the 1990 election\. the data are disclosed in over 3.000 charts and graph\ illustrating contributions from industr):, individuals. and private interest groups including political action committees (PAC?). To cxplaln the reason for using illu\tr;ttivc matter instead of text. Mokinjon statcs that “wherever possible. the date is presented graphicall\~. \o reader\ can view not just the detail in the numbers. but alw the patterns” (xi). The volume i\ divided into five parts: .‘The Big Picture.” “Industry Profiles,” “Committee Profiles.” “Member Profiles.” jLP,4C Profile\.” Each part comprises both brief and detailed profiles. Included alw x-e tM.0 appendices (classification categories and a State Delegation index) IS well as ;I detailed table of content\ and a general name index (including both personal and corporate names). All the entrie\ in each part are arranged alphabetically for easy acce\\. Of particular interest WC‘ the indu\tr! profile\ in hi-ief as well as the introductory page\ that describe now to find the mane)’ if you arc new to Congrc\s and how to keep the fund\ coming in after the election (IO-Rule\ of the Game). It is evident that u lot of time and research went into making this volume complete. The only noticeahlc element missing i\ names. Disclosure of name\ is against the law: IMakinson discu\\e\ confidentiality and the law\ regulating privacy in the introduction. Unlike the previous edition. this one includes individual contribution\ in addition to those fund\ provided by the PAC\. The addition of individual contributors (those donating $200.00 or more) provides a more balanced pattern for analysis than just an examination of PAC contribution\. Also. the scope of this volume is more precise: this edition wa\ made with a specific purpose in mind: to provide ;I single source that depict\ the patterns of congressional funding. The primary focu\ is the 500+ members of Congress. A\ a reference tool, this volume is unparalleled. The minor exception is that the material is based on the 1990 elections even though the 1992 election result\ are mol-t: indicative of the influence of money. However. the facts given on each page of this encyclopedia are useful to anyone wanting ;I clearer grasp of the funding of political candidates. The detailed member profiles arc difficult to LISC at first. if one ha\ not read the introduction. which is essential. Opott .Scc.wt.vi\ useful. but not ;I \ourcc one would turn to immediately. Although the data are well arranged and the graphs are clear. the total dollar amount is hidden in the uppa right corner of the first page of each member entry. All members are allotted two pages pel- entr!,. Every profile i\ broken down by busine\\, labor. ideological/\ingle-i~sLlc. and other categoric\. The graphs show source of fund\. source of PAC dollars by \ector, in-state ver\u\ out-of-state contribution\. PAC total\ by category. and amount of funds spent in the last election for both the congressional member and his/her opponent. Where the information was incomplete or unavailable to the author. the pages are left blank or nearly blank. Thi\ policy holds true when the information available was brief. For example. Senator Warren Rudman (R-NH) has one of the shortest detailed PAC contribution profiles. whereas Senator Albert Gore has required the full two pages. Although. in the experience ofthis author. this kind of information i\ not requested often. nevcrtheless. Opctt Srcwt.t is the most complete text of it\ kind. It is an interesting mix of data and analysis. which should provide users data critical to understanding the intricacies of political funding. This field has a lot of potential for further research and exploration. The next edition should provide some interesting insight into the election of 1992. I am happy that both the Center for Responsive Politics and Congressional Quarterly, Inc. are going to continue updating thi4 material as further research expands and refines the analysis process. AIMEE
C. PISCI’I‘ELLI Library Mail Stop 84 Eastern Washington Univel-sity Cheney, WA 99004-2495 USA
737
major exports, such as gold and military weapons, are not included in Soviet statistical reports. Although several tables are devoted to the production and sale of military weapons, those who need more extensive data on military manpower and expenditures may need to consult an annual compilation published by the U.S. Department of Defense and formerly titled Souict Militnry Pmz~r. With the collapse of the Soviet Union the title of this publication was changed to Militcq Forces in Trumition, which may be selected by U.S. federal depository libraries. Pockney has done a commendable job of compiling, organizing, and interpreting many years of Soviet statistics in a handy one-volume compendium. HANS RAUM Starr Library Middlebury College Middlebury, VT 05753 USA
Guide to Statistics in Illinois State Publication, 19851990. Edited and compiled by Sheila H. Nollen and Roberta Palen. Chicago: Government Documents Forum, Illinois Library Association, 1992. 107~. Members $15.00, nonmembers $20.00 from ILA, 33 West Grand Ave., Suite 301, Chicago, IL 60610. Publications by state agencies are rich information sources for demographic, economic, and social conditions but are usually difficult to gain access to without an up-to-date statistical guide. The information in this extensive index to over 300 state publications will be most useful to those with a good collection of Illinois documents, but interlibrary loan provides for wider usage. The inclusion of OCLC numbers in the List of Publications is of interest for cataloging purposes as well. This stand-alone update to two previous editions (from the Illinois State Library) was accomplished by a cooperative effort on the part of two dozen volunteer members of the Government Documents Forum of the Illinois Library Association. Support was provided by the Association. It is a highly laudable model that other states may use as a source of inspiration and information. The guide is limited to items issued by Illinois state agencies. Most, but not all, entries are for serials. It is not intended to be exhaustive. Publications indexed generally cover the years 1985-1990. Because of the diversity of the contributors, style and coverage varies somewhat. This presents no problem for users. The descriptive section is organized around 12 broad subject areas. A brief table of contents makes this classified arrangement easy to use in conjunction with an extensive subject index. Descriptive detail is provided for each entry. followed by frequency, coverage, and the number assigned in the List of Publications. This list includes (in addition to OCLC numbers noted already) place, publisher, and date(s). University of Illinois publications are also included. Nearly one full page of abbreviations is included within the explanatory notes section and probably should have been more directly accessible. In meeting anticipated needs of various levels of use, the editors have more than met their goals. Of additional interest for some is the inclusion of a page describing significant change in Illinois government in the 1980s and a special reference to the Economic Development Database at Illinois State University. which draws from federal and private records as well, for the period of approximately 1980 onwards. This work will be a particularly valuable tool for most libraries in Illinois, especially those without access to the Amcriccln Stcltistics Index and the Sttrtisticrrl Rcjber~c~ Itdc.~. BARBARA CEIZLER SILVER Government Publications Dept. University of California Santa Barbara, CA 93 106 USA
Open Secrets: The Encyclopedia of Congressional Money & Politics. 2nd ed. By Larry Makinson, Center for Responsive Politics. Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly Inc., 1992. 1,339~. ISBN: O-87187-689-2. LCCN: 92-5802. $136.00.
738
Review5
The monetary scandals of the Congress of the United States during the early i9YOs created 3 demand for an account of how much money elected officials receive from both the private and public \ectors. Indeed, the current scrutiny of congressmen by their constituents reaffirms the need for published information on congressional money, campaign funding. and the real versus the cash constituent. O[lorl .Scc,,-czts:Tlrc Etrc~~c~lopetlitr c~f’Cott,~,‘~,.s.~iottrrl Mottc,y d Po1itic.s is B single volume that provides such information as described above. Larry Makinson and the Center for Rc\pon\ive Politics took the raw data from the Federal Election Commission in order to compile a complete analysis of congressional funding. Makin\on writes this book for the “great majority of American> who live hundred\ or thousand\ of miles from Washington. It was written to show everyone where their own members of Congress get the money that keeps them in office. and to reveal the specific industries and intcrcst group4 that are most generous to Congres\ as a whole” (viii). Opctl Scc~rct.thas little narrative. Ba\ed upon the 1990 election\. the data are disclosed in over 3.000 charts and graph\ illustrating contributions from industr):, individuals. and private interest groups including political action committees (PAC?). To cxplaln the reason for using illu\tr;ttivc matter instead of text. Mokinjon statcs that “wherever possible. the date is presented graphicall\~. \o reader\ can view not just the detail in the numbers. but alw the patterns” (xi). The volume i\ divided into five parts: .‘The Big Picture.” “Industry Profiles,” “Committee Profiles.” “Member Profiles.” jLP,4C Profile\.” Each part comprises both brief and detailed profiles. Included alw x-e tM.0 appendices (classification categories and a State Delegation index) IS well as ;I detailed table of content\ and a general name index (including both personal and corporate names). All the entrie\ in each part are arranged alphabetically for easy acce\\. Of particular interest WC‘ the indu\tr! profile\ in hi-ief as well as the introductory page\ that describe now to find the mane)’ if you arc new to Congrc\s and how to keep the fund\ coming in after the election (IO-Rule\ of the Game). It is evident that u lot of time and research went into making this volume complete. The only noticeahlc element missing i\ names. Disclosure of name\ is against the law: IMakinson discu\\e\ confidentiality and the law\ regulating privacy in the introduction. Unlike the previous edition. this one includes individual contribution\ in addition to those fund\ provided by the PAC\. The addition of individual contributors (those donating $200.00 or more) provides a more balanced pattern for analysis than just an examination of PAC contribution\. Also. the scope of this volume is more precise: this edition wa\ made with a specific purpose in mind: to provide ;I single source that depict\ the patterns of congressional funding. The primary focu\ is the 500+ members of Congress. A\ a reference tool, this volume is unparalleled. The minor exception is that the material is based on the 1990 elections even though the 1992 election result\ are mol-t: indicative of the influence of money. However. the facts given on each page of this encyclopedia are useful to anyone wanting ;I clearer grasp of the funding of political candidates. The detailed member profiles arc difficult to LISC at first. if one ha\ not read the introduction. which is essential. Opott .Scc.wt.vi\ useful. but not ;I \ourcc one would turn to immediately. Although the data are well arranged and the graphs are clear. the total dollar amount is hidden in the uppa right corner of the first page of each member entry. All members are allotted two pages pel- entr!,. Every profile i\ broken down by busine\\, labor. ideological/\ingle-i~sLlc. and other categoric\. The graphs show source of fund\. source of PAC dollars by \ector, in-state ver\u\ out-of-state contribution\. PAC total\ by category. and amount of funds spent in the last election for both the congressional member and his/her opponent. Where the information was incomplete or unavailable to the author. the pages are left blank or nearly blank. Thi\ policy holds true when the information available was brief. For example. Senator Warren Rudman (R-NH) has one of the shortest detailed PAC contribution profiles. whereas Senator Albert Gore has required the full two pages. Although. in the experience ofthis author. this kind of information i\ not requested often. nevcrtheless. Opctt Srcwt.t is the most complete text of it\ kind. It is an interesting mix of data and analysis. which should provide users data critical to understanding the intricacies of political funding. This field has a lot of potential for further research and exploration. The next edition should provide some interesting insight into the election of 1992. I am happy that both the Center for Responsive Politics and Congressional Quarterly, Inc. are going to continue updating thi4 material as further research expands and refines the analysis process. AIMEE
C. PISCI’I‘ELLI Library Mail Stop 84 Eastern Washington Univel-sity Cheney, WA 99004-2495 USA