 The election was one of the most-followed races in 2012 and cost approximately $82 million, which made it the most expensive election in Massachusetts history and the second-most expensive in the entire 2012 election cycle, next to that year's presidential election.This was despite the two candidates' having agreed not to allow outside money to influence the race.Opinion polling indicated a close race for much of the campaign, though Warren opened up a small but consistent lead in the final few weeks.