Two billion dollars and counting

The 2008 federal elections are well on course to set spending records. Thanks to this new widget from OpenSecrets.org, which has just revamped its website, it's possible to see how much money has been spent so far: more than $2 billion.

Counting from the beginning of this election cycle, that's about $4 million per day, $169,603 per hour, and $2,827 per minute.

In 2006, it cost an average of $9.6 million to win a Senate seat; in the House, $1.3 million.

Here in Colorado, our hot Senate contest between Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) and Bob Schaffer (R) has already drawn more than $8 million between the two candidates. (And you can see it, thanks to this other new widget from Open Secrets.)

The official launch for OpenSecret.org's new web design isn't until next Wednesday, on the organization's 25^th birthday. But you can still cruise over there now and follow the money where ever it takes you. Bon voyage.