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ON THE TRAIL

June 21, 2008

Democrat Barack Obama raised $22 million in May for his presidential campaign, his weakest fundraising month this year, and ended the month with $43 million cash on hand, the campaign reported Friday. Though Obama has been the fundraising leader in the presidential race, his May totals are just slightly above Republican rival John McCain's fundraising for the month. Overall, Obama has raised more than $287 million during the past 17 months, while McCain has raised a total of $115 million. Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, ended May with a $22.5 million debt and $3.4 million in hand.

Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel said Friday he would consider serving as Obama's running mate if asked, although he doesn't expect to be on any ticket. Hagel's criticism of the Bush administration since the 2003 invasion of Iraq has touched off speculation that if Obama were to pick a Republican running mate, it might be Hagel. Hagel said in an interview with The Associated Press that if an offer came, " ... I would have to think about it. I think anybody, anybody would have to consider it. Doesn't mean you'd do it, doesn't mean you'd accept it, could be too many gaps there, but you'd have to consider it. ..."