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Overview
IN THE NEWS: As the presidential campaign heats up, attention is focusing on campaign coffers. Much of the money of both political parties and interest organizations goes to campaign advertising. Increasingly, controversial attack ads can be traced back to so-called 527 organizations, more so in this election than ever before. Find out how to track who's paying for the message, and how. (more)
The Presidency of the United States was an office neither to be sought nor declined. To pay money for securing it directly or indirectly, was in my opinion incorrect in principle. — John Quincy Adams, 1828 Fine sentiments from the sixth President of the United States, a man not without significant familiar and financial influence going into his own race for the White House. According to federal government historians, money has played a role in campaigns since the earliest days of the nation. However, it has been only since 1960 that money spent on campaigns has increased dramatically. Below, find out more about just how much money is flowing into the system.
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The ECONOMIST estimates that in the national election cycle of 2000, over $3 billion was spent on presidential and congressional races. Totals for the 2004 cycle are expected to rise significantly. |
Use the links below to investigate the campaign finance system.
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