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Campaign Costly for Secret Service

Department nees $9.5 million more than budgeted, leaders say

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 25, 2008 9:13 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Secret Service has asked for an additional $9.5 million to cover the costs of protecting candidates during this year's campaign—already the longest and costliest in agency history, AP reports. The department had budgeted $107 million, up from $73 million in 2004, but between the marathon primary season, candidates making trips abroad, and the huge crowds Barack Obama draws, it's just not enough.

"I thought we had a very, very good plan in place for the campaign," said the department's director. But "campaigns are different now," as candidates receive protection earlier and take more overseas trips. Extra funds are needed, among other things, to cover Obama's nomination acceptance speech, planned to be held in a 76,000-seat outdoor stadium in Denver.

Secret Service agents stand guard outside a building while Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama attends a meeting inside in Washington, Wednesday, July 9, 2008.
Secret Service agents stand guard outside a building while Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama attends a meeting inside in Washington, Wednesday, July 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., sits in his vehicle guarded by Secret Service agents before boarding his charter jet in Asheville, N.C., Sunday, June 29, 2008.
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., sits in his vehicle guarded by Secret Service agents before boarding his charter jet in Asheville, N.C., Sunday, June 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., walks to her vehicle accompanied by her secret service detail upon arrival at the airport in Sioux Falls, S.D., Friday, May 23, 2008.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., walks to her vehicle accompanied by her secret service detail upon arrival at the airport in Sioux Falls, S.D., Friday, May 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Uniform Secret Service officers walk in front of the White House to their posts around the grounds. The department says it needs more money to cover the campaign season.
Uniform Secret Service officers walk in front of the White House to their posts around the grounds. The department says it needs more money to cover the campaign season.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
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