What Did Your Congresswoman's Seat Cost?

Rep. Jackie Speier won reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives last fall, now representing the San Francisco Peninsula for her third term.

But how much did her House seat cost her?

When we put the question to our Facebook readers earlier this week, they focused on Speier's non-monetary value.

"None," said Kristi on Pacifica Patch Facebook. "I think she did it by name recognition, same as Boxer and Feinstein."

"No matter how much it cost, Jackie has given back to San Mateo," said Peter on San Carlos Patch Facebook. "Speier was shot at Jonestown on a fact-finding mission when she was a young aide. Jackie has worked tirelessly for our best interest and she is a great!"

But in terms of dollars and cents, Speier raised $969,474 during the 2012 election cycle, according to MapLight, a non-profit that tracks money in politics.

That's well behind the curve: the average House member raised $1,689,580, or $2,315 a day, according to MapLight.

Victor, on Redwood City-Woodside Patch Facebook, characterized Speier's fundraising in terms of a different metric: "My entire paycheck," he said.

Are you surprised by the cost of a House seat? Tell us in the comments section below.