VPAP: "The Year of the $1 Million House Race"

The following graphs of money spent in the 2009 election cycle are courtesy of the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP). Click on the images to "embiggen." I'm struck by the fact that more money was spent in 2009, during a severe recession, than in previous election years for every office except Attorney General. Also, VPAP notes that "There were nine House Districts in which candidates combined to spend $1 million or more," and that "The most expensive: House District 42 in Fairfax County, where incumbent Republican Del. Dave Albo and Democratic Challenger Greg Werkheiser spent a total of $1.7 million."