Independent Spending Totals

Since the start of the presidential campaign, independent groups have spent at least $524 million on television advertisements and other efforts asking voters to elect or defeat candidates. The most active groups have been "super PACs," which can raise unlimited money from individuals, corporations and labor unions. Although these groups cannot legally be tied to a candidate, several of the most-active ones are run or advised by former associates or campaign staff; those are noted below with the picture of the candidate.