by Nancy Cook

Forget the cost of running — or in the media's case, of covering — a protracted presidential campaign.

The Associated Press is reporting that even the Secret Service needs extra money to work the campaign trail — $9.5 million to be exact. The extra cash would offset the added costs of overseas trips such as Sen. Obama's whirlwind adventure through Europe and the Middle East this week. Sen. McCain has also taken expensive international jaunts to Colombia, Mexico and Canada this campaign season.

The money would also go toward protecting Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, where he will accept the nomination in an open-air stadium that seats roughly 76,000 people.

Obama picked up Secret Service protection in May 2007 — earlier than any other presidential candidate in history (with the exception of Hillary Clinton, who as a former First Lady already had a detail in place when she launched her campaign). At the time, officials said it wasn't because of any threats — although concerns remain about his safety as the first African-American presidential candidate.

This campaign season has lasted five months longer than any other in Secret Service history. In 2004, protecting the candidates cost $73.3 million. This year, they've budgeted $106.65 million...and counting.