Most expensive re-election campaigns

Most expensive re-election campaigns

 President Barack Obama has announced he'll run for office again in 2012, launching speculation about how much he'll spend. We've rounded up past incumbents who spared no expense in defending their political posts.


Barack Obama

 The president has officially announced his 2012 re-election campaign, and some say it'll be the most expensive in history.

Michele Bachmann

 Last November, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. beat her challenger to retain this congressional district. The race earned a high-dollar distinction.

Barbara Boxer

 In last year's U.S. Senate race, U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., beat her wealthy opponent. It's been reported that the senator spent nearly everything she'd raised

Michael Bloomberg

 Bloomberg was named mayor of New York City the third time in a row having bested his 2009 challenger.

Harry Reid

 Democrat Sen. Harry Reid went all out to secure his Nevada Senate seat last year. This meant aiming for a lofty goal. It was the second-most-expensive Senate race

George Pataki

 Pataki was re-elected New York's governor in 2002, after spending somewhere in the ballpark of this large sum.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

 Then-New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton reportedly spent more than any other Senate candidate when she ran against her 2006 opponent.

John McCain

 During the last midterm elections, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is estimated to have spent more on a successful bid than any other Senate candidate.

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Most expensive re-election campaigns

Most expensive re-election campaigns

 President Barack Obama has announced he'll run for office again in 2012, launching speculation about how much he'll spend. We've rounded up past incumbents who spared no expense in defending their political posts.


Barack Obama

 The president has officially announced his 2012 re-election campaign, and some say it'll be the most expensive in history.

Michele Bachmann

 Last November, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. beat her challenger to retain this congressional district. The race earned a high-dollar distinction.

Barbara Boxer

 In last year's U.S. Senate race, U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., beat her wealthy opponent. It's been reported that the senator spent nearly everything she'd raised

Michael Bloomberg

 Bloomberg was named mayor of New York City the third time in a row having bested his 2009 challenger.

Harry Reid

 Democrat Sen. Harry Reid went all out to secure his Nevada Senate seat last year. This meant aiming for a lofty goal. It was the second-most-expensive Senate race

George Pataki

 Pataki was re-elected New York's governor in 2002, after spending somewhere in the ballpark of this large sum.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

 Then-New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton reportedly spent more than any other Senate candidate when she ran against her 2006 opponent.

John McCain

 During the last midterm elections, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is estimated to have spent more on a successful bid than any other Senate candidate.

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Comebacks of 2010

Comebacks of 2010

From the 88-year-old who hosted "Saturday Night Live" to the QB who uplifted his team and town, several people have come back bigger than ever in 2010. Meet the following folks (and one company) who overcame adversity to achieve dramatic success.

Betty White

Betty White

Then: Underemployed icon of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Golden Girls".
2010: At advanced age, kills as "SNL" host. Appears in new sitcom and has a book deal.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock

Then: Moving into a perilous age for Hollywood, she slogs through low-buzz films.
2010: Nabs Best Actress Oscar for this movie and hits this box office record.

Jerry Brown

Jerry Brown

Then: Ex-governor of California who ran thrice for this job and failed.
2010: Decades later, is re-elected California governor against rich opponent.

Conan O'Brien

Conan O'Brien

Then: After a short stint, O'Brien leaves dream job. Transcript of farewell speech.
2010: Pockets settlement, joins Twitter, launches new show, scores huge ratings.

Cher

Cher

Then: Last movie? 1999. Last album? 2002.
2010: Outshines "Burlesque" co-star half her age. Rocks fishnets in magazine.

Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin

Then: After losing historic election, she quits governor's job.
2010: Power broker; best-selling author; reality TV star. And, big question ...

Harry Reid

Harry Reid

Then: Racial comments about future President Obama. Tough re-election looms.
2010: Held on to his Senate seat and will retain his powerful position.

Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges

Then: Appears in 1982's "Tron". Are the Dude's best roles behind him?
2010: Wins Best Actor Oscar for this movie. Appears in "Tron: Legacy"

Aaron Sorkin

Aaron Sorkin

Then: His "West Wing" ends. Creates short-lived Matthew Perry show.
2010: Writes "The Social Network". Directing true tale of unfaithful politico.

Julie Taymor

Julie Taymor

Then: Director of 1997 Broadway smash releases Beatles movie to mixed reviews.
2010: Teams with legendary rockers to bring "Spider-Man" to Broadway.

Eminem

Eminem

Then: Overdosed on this drug in 2007. Tense relations with mother and ex-wife.
2010: Releases album "Recovery" with hit single with Rihanna. Grammy nomination.

Ursula Burns

Ursula Burns

Then: As president of an ailing corporate giant, Burns had to swing the hatchet.
2010: Named CEO last year; assumed this title in May. Why is this historic?

Jonathan Franzen

Jonathan Franzen

Then: Declines to chat with Oprah Winfrey, who does this. No big book since 2001.
2010: Critics praise his best-selling novel. Appears on you-know-who's book club list.

Ford Motor Co.

Ford Motor Co.

Then: Reports staggering loss for 2008. Joins other automakers in requesting this.
2010: After refusing federal funds, Ford announces this for first time since 2005.

Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers

Then: Losing gigs to this star-bashing comedienne. Resigned to reality TV.
2010: After winning reality-TV contest, revives career with acclaimed documentary.

Drew Brees

Drew Brees

Then: After returning to Hurricane Katrina-hit home, Saints fail to make '07 and '08 playoffs.
2010: Leads Saints to Super Bowl win. His charity helps kids affected by Katrina.

Rihanna

Rihanna

Then: Could she ever top "Umbrella"? Boyfriend sentenced for abuse.
2010: Wins "Run This Town" Grammys. Hits No. 1 with "Only Girl"

Chilean miners

The Chilean Miners

Then: While mining for this, 33 men were trapped underground. What went wrong?
2010: After more than two months, all were rescued.

Mark Twain

Mark Twain

Then: Been dead for how long? "Huckleberry Finn" too edgy for children?
2010: Twain autobiography published. Author hits amazing milestone.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Then: Sexy pop song is song of summer 2008. One-hit-wonder alert?
2010: Confirms star status with two summer hits: "California Gurls"

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