Candidates on the campaign trail may talk tough about combating special interest influence and cutting ties to lobbyists, those enemies du jour. But the real story is found on the campaign's balance sheets, where lobbyist contributions take up more than their fair share of real estate.

Public Campaign's Nick Nyhart writes in the Huffington Post today on Sen. Barack Obama's decision to opt out of the public financing system for the presidential election.  Characterizing Obama's decision as "regrettable" but "understandable" Nyhart says that Obama has an even greater obligation to pursue an improved public financing system for the presidential race, and, though the Fair Elections Now Act, create one for Congress.

Big donors--those giving $1,000 or more--still account for the bulk of money collected by frontrunner presidential candidates, according to an analysis hot off the press from the Campaign Finance Institute (CFI).

Following a court decision that presidential candidates may raise private money for the general election while leaving the option open to return it and accept public financing -- suggested by '08 hopeful Barack Obama -- John McCain has said if his Democratic opponent accepts public financing in the general election, he will do the same. With both McCain and Obama pledging to go the public financing route if their opponent does, will other '08 contenders follow suit?