It's attracted a lot of attention that as of the end of January, John McCain's presidential campaign was essentially broke. That may be true, but the good news for McCain is that having secured his party's nomination, he doesn't need to spend at the same rate as his Democratic rivals. Obama spent more than $30 million in January, ending the month with about $24 million cash on hand, net of campaign debts. Hillary Clinton spent almost $29 million in the month, leaving herself with about $21 million cash on hand, net of campaign debt. During February, both Obama and Clinton are likely to burn through cash almost as quickly as they can raise it ( though that may be less true for Obama). But while McCain may trail badly in cash on hand, his fundraising is clearly picking up. And he has concrete plans to raise more. Further, Senator McCain is more or less finished spending money to secure the nomination. Clinton and Obama will be burning through millions into March, and quite possible through the end of the Democratic primaries in June -- or even beyond. After all, if the primaries conclude with the nomination still a possibility for both candidates, why would they cease spending money? There are ads to be run and donations to be made that might yet sway the superdelegates. Neither of the candidates will want to sit on a campaign war chest, only to lose the nomination. If they think they can win the presidential candidacy, both will be spending. John McCain will be raising money for the general election, and deciding when and how to spend it. As a result, this may be the worst that McCain's numbers will look through the end of the campaign.