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.

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).

Republican presidential candidate John McCain is hinting at the possibility of opting in to the presidential public financing program for the primary election, triggering debate over whether opting in (and perhaps standing at a significant financial disadvantage compared to some rivals) proves the continued relevance of the public financing program, or is a signal of a dying campaign.

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?