Super PAC spending

    Independent political organizations known as "super PACs" are the wild cards in this year's election, the product of a series of court rulings, including the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision in January 2010. A total of 266 super PACs have spent $546.5 million — 78% of which has been spent opposing candidates. Here's a look at the spending to date, in support and in opposition, according to reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission.

    Interactive: Outside spending shapes 2012 election

    Last updated: Nov. 20, 2012 | 10:59 a.m.

    Total spent on candidate ←  Oppose
    $290.9 million
    		Support  →
    $57.6 million

    Obama

    $316,408,930

    Romney

    $152,123,678

    Gingrich

    $31,954,500

    Santorum

    $28,558,616

    Paul

    $10,537,518

    Perry

    $3,964,824

    Huntsman

    $2,462,927

    Cain

    $458,848
    PACs without ties to a specific candidate: $301,986,055
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