The White House may be the ultimate recession-proof commodity. Barack Obama spent $730 million getting elected in 2008-twice as much as George W. Bush spent 4 years earlier and more than 260 times what Abraham Lincoln spent nearly 150 years earlier. -Dave Gilson

Lincoln’s 1860 campaign spends $2.8 million in today’s dollars.

McKinley vs. Bryan sets long-standing record for most expensive race.

If this chart does not prove that campaigns are won with the most money than what will?

This data from Mother Jones magazine.