As a new feature here at Sunlight we’re offering up Congress Facts, a monthly list of stats and facts on a particularly pressing issue in Congress. This month is focused on earmarking, in particular the use of earmarks as an election year strategy. Just take a look at the numbers from the competitive districts in Indiana and tell us what you think. If you’ve got a stat or fact in relation to earmarking feel free to add it in the comments. Go below the fold for more:

• Number of Earmarks in FY 2007 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill: 1,810[1]

• Average amount earmarked in this bill to districts of appropriators in contested elections: $2.76 million[2]

• Average amount earmarked in this bill to districts of appropriators: $2.25 million[3]

• Average amount earmarked in this bill to districts of non-appropriators in contested elections: $1.35 million[4]

• Average amount earmarked in this bill to districts of non-appropriators in non-contested elections: $660,000

• Number of Indiana congressmen locked in competitive elections in 2006: 3 (Chris Chocola, John Hostettler, and Mike Sodrel)[5]

• Total amount earmarked to all Indiana congressional districts in 2007 appropriations bills: $36,167,000[6]

• Amount earmarked to three competitive Indiana districts in 2007 appropriations bills: $21,550,000[7]

• Percentage of Indiana earmark money going to three competitive Indiana districts: 59.6%

• Number of earmarks in 2006: 15,832[8]

• Amount earmarks cost in 2006: $71.77 billion[9]

• Percentage of 2006 budget: 8.5%