As you read this, thenation’s next president may or may not have just been determined. But there’sone thing that can be said with full certainty: We have just concluded the mostexpensive campaign cycle ever. All told, this election will cost more than $5.3billion, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. We may be getting thebest lawmakers money can buy. But it remains to be seen how pleased we’ll bewith this latest investment.