CBS Evening News

Katie Couric's Notebook: Finish Line

By Katie Couric

November 3, 2008 / 5:16 PM EST / CBS News

It's been a long and, at times, tedious 10 months since the Iowa Caucus. I have to confess, I've even dreamt about politics, a sure sign that I'm ready to say hasta la vista to Campaign 2008.

Not to sound like a credit card commercial, but here are a few numbers to take away as we approach the finish line:

Amount of money spent by the campaigns: an estimated $2 billion.

The cost of all those TV ads: about $800 million.

Americans coming to early voting locations in huge numbers: well, that's priceless.

About 30 percent voted early, up from 22 percent in 2004. Experts say that puts us on track for a record turnout, as many as 130 million – or more – may vote before it's over.

This election has energized voters from both parties. No matter what happens tomorrow night, history will be made and someone's political dream will come true. The real kind of dream – not those ones I've been having.

Get out and vote!