In the United States, billions of dollars are spent on political campaigns each election cycle, with an estimated $2 billion spent in the 2004 presidential election and $1 billion in Senate and House races. This money comes from private contributors, including wealthy individuals and political action committees, as well as public funds and is used to pay for television ads, staff salaries, polling, mailings, and other campaign expenses in the goal of getting candidates elected.

1. Money & Politics