Freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers kept her congressional office expenses relatively low during the first three months of her tenure in the House, according to disbursement records. For the first quarter of 2011, Ellmers’ office totals came in almost $100,000 less than former Democratic U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge’s totals for the first quarter of 2010. Ellmers beat Etheridge in the 2010 General Election.
Carolina Journal has reported on congressional disbursements in the past (here and here). Lawmakers get congressional allowances as high as $1.9 annually to run their offices.
Here are the primary details for Ellmers and Etheridge:
- Renee Ellmers, R-2nd (1st quarter of 2011)
Total office expense: $189,509.90
Staff compensation and benefits: $163,799.99
Highest paid staffer: Chief of Staff Albert Lytton at $26,888.90 (1st quarter only)
Travel: $1,199.88
Franked mail: $75.67
Food, beverages, and bottled water: $107.43
- Bob Etheridge, D-2nd (1st quarter of 2010)
Total office expense: $289,235.89
Staff compensation and benefits: $240,209.27
Highest paid staffer: District Director Russell Swindell at $34,577.77 (1st quarter only)
Travel: $7,157.72
Franked mail: $1,690.23
Food, beverages, and bottled water: $1,114.62
A big caveat: The comparison isn’t exactly apples to apples. Because she joined Congress in January, Ellmers was getting her office up and running during the period covered by this report. In comparison, Etheridge ran his congressional office for seven terms, so it’s reasonable that his expenses would be higher.
Editorial intern Kristin Szanfranski contributed research to this post.
Update: Etheridge had 17 staff members listed in January 2010, compared to 14 listed by Ellmers in January of 2011.
