Aggressive Obama TV Spending Prompted Clinton's Loan

Aides also noted that she reportedly received $8 million from the publication of her autobiography in 2003.

There had been signs of belt-tightening even before the loan was made. Clinton officials have shared hotel rooms -- an inconvenience that wealthier campaigns do not force upon exhausted staff members -- and Clinton has brought media representatives with her on every leg of her travels, which can help defray transportation costs (although it creates inconvenience).

A senior campaign official reported being told last month that McAuliffe was unhappy about falling behind Obama in fundraising, although McAuliffe did not say so publicly and yesterday called the campaign's current condition "spectacular" when speaking with donors.

During Clinton's 2006 Senate race, several high-ranking aides voiced concerns about loose financial controls over such things as office supplies and advertising. The current campaign appears to be run more frugally, with headquarters in Virginia rather than on K Street. But the campaign's latest reports still show unusual expenditures, such as nearly $500,000 last year for parking costs.

A review of both campaigns' financial filings show they aggressively spent money last year. Both spent more than $80 million before heading into the January primary season, including similar amounts on travel and events. Obama spent more on television advertising and field staff. Clinton spent nearly $4 million on political and media consultants; Obama spent about $1.4 million.

What changed in 2008, Clinton aides said, is that Obama has escalated his spending substantially. Even after Clinton decided to lend the campaign money, Obama outspent her on television advertising. Tracey estimated that Obama spent $16 million from Jan. 7 to Feb. 5 and that Clinton spent $12 million.

Susie Tompkins Buell, a bundler for Clinton in California, said she remains optimistic, even though many donors she has contacted have given the maximum allowed. "The campaign has gone on much longer than any of us expected," Buell said. "I think now we are in the position of looking for the little checks. We're trying to find out how best to do that." The Clinton campaign reported attracting 40,000 new online donors yesterday.

Staff writer Anne E. Kornblut and database editor Sarah Cohen contributed to this report.