Consider the money thrown around in both Democratic and Republican camps. Barack Obama raised $41 million in March alone, most of it from smaller, repeat donors under the $2,300 limit for personal contributions in the primary season.

He outspent Hillary Clinton nearly 3-1 in advertising and outreach in the Pennsylvania primary, but Clinton held serve and after her 10-point victory, she raised $3 million overnight. Such funds are desperately needed, as she has suffered increasingly dramatic debts on the campaign trail.

She famously loaned her campaign $5 million in January, but ultimately ended March $800,000 in debt. Estimates suggest that her campaign spends $1 million a day, and many of her contributors have already given the maximum amount. She must keep winning to keep her candidacy financially afloat.

John McCain, meanwhile, has crisscrossed the nation holding fundraisers to fill his coffers for his continuing “primary” campaign. He finished March with a personal record of $15.2 million raised, but lags badly behind both Democratic candidates who have benefited from a highly energized electorate keen to unseat Republicans in November.

Some have suggested he will accept public financing for his presidential run, giving him an $85 million limit to spend after the September GOP convention.