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Money is still flooding into the campaigns. But how to spend it?

Oct 22, 2020
In the final run-up to Election Day, campaigns, parties and outside groups are rushing to spend unprecedented cash on hand.
Television screens air the first presidential debate at a sports bar on Sept. 29, in Washington, D.C.
Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images

Is chasing swing voters a waste of campaign money?

Sep 28, 2020
Most voters have already decided whom they want for president, experts say. Will undecideds vote at all?
One swing voter researcher said "these voters may not be motivated to vote at all in the 2020 election."
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Presidential campaigns are dramatically crowding out TV ad space

Jan 31, 2020
More than 100,000 political ads have aired in Iowa so far, up 65% on 2016.
Six of the remaining Democratic presidential hopefuls at the seventh Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 14, 2020.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Billionaire donations are driving midterm spending

Oct 23, 2018
High net worth giving is making this midterm campaign one of the most expensive ever.
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gestures to the crowd as he walks on stage to deliver remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Billionaire donations are driving midterm spending

Oct 23, 2018
High net worth giving is making this midterm campaign one of the most expensive ever.
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gestures to the crowd as he walks on stage to deliver remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

There is more proof some very big money is behind the midterm elections

Oct 15, 2018
More women are contributing money, and more of that money is backing female candidates.
Shaun Heasley/Getty Images

Who pays when presidents hit the campaign trail?

Oct 15, 2018
When President Trump, like his predecessors, stumps for local politicians, local taxpayers foot the bill.
President Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a rally at the Kansas Expocentre on Oct. 6 in Topeka.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

The primaries cost millions, but general will be more

Jun 8, 2016
Campaign watchers estimate the nominees have to raise about a billion dollars.
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton greets supporters during a primary night event on June 7, 2016 in Brooklyn, New York.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Jeb Bush spent $2,800 per vote in Iowa and came in 6th

Feb 2, 2016
He outspent all the other GOP candidates in Iowa, but only brought in about 5000 votes
Jeb Bush addresses an audience of supporters on January 29, 2016 in Sioux City, Iowa.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Governors are winning the TV ad race

Oct 22, 2014
Spending on gubernatorial races is higher than on Senate contests.