Question on the standardization of the data and the construction of ultorg variable

[Eden Zhang]

Hello,

First I just want to thank you for making the political spending data free to all of us. I am currently doing research on corporate lobbying spending and the bulk data has offered me enormous help.

I just have a question regarding the construction of the standardized client name and parent organization in the lobbying database. Are there standardized sources you use to get the information (such financial reports, corporate disclosures, or newspaper articles)? I am linking the lobbying database to the accounting disclosure database (Compustat) for public listed firms, and trying to have an idea how well the 'ultorg' and 'client' variables are as identifiers. I would highly appreciate it if you can give me some information on how you construct the variables.

Thanks a lot!

Eden Zhang

[KC Lin]

Hi, 

I am also trying to link the lobby data with GVKEY identifier in COMPUSTAT. All I can think of is to hand-match the companies' names. Any other suggestion?

KC Lin

[Felipe Storch Damasceno]

Did you have any lucky liking the data with CRSP?

[ying zhao]

Dear all,

I am also trying to merge the Campaign Finance Data with the Compustat data at the firm level. I would appreciate it if you could share any information that would be helpful, and I also welcome potential cooperation or a deal.

Thanks!!

Best regards,

Rebecca Zhao