(continued)

MILLION DOLLAR MAN Forbes, in 1999, gets his microphone checked (Photo: Getty Images)

In 1996, business publisher Steve Forbes spent around $37.4 million on a run for the Republican presidential nomination. He was also notable for blinking much faster than any human being should, and for advocating a flat tax that would save some cash for everyone, but mostly millionaires. Forbes did well in a few early states, including Delaware and Arizona, but collected just 76 delegates before dropping out after Super Tuesday.

In 2000, despite skepticism from the Washington Post that Forbes would choose to liquidate enough assets to do it again, he managed to spend between $32 and $39 million (depending on whether you trust the New York Times or NPR). This time, Forbes pulled the plug after losing in Delaware, where he finished behind John McCain—who hadn't campaigned in the state at all.

Total Amount Spent: $69.4 million to $76.4 million
Cost Per Vote: $36.08 to $40.04