Republican John McCain attracted more money from West Virginians than Democrat Barack Obama last month.

The GOP's presidential nominee collected nearly $74,000 from Mountain State residents in August, about one and a half times the $47,800 that Obama received.

That marks the first time McCain's monthly in-state total has surpassed Obama's since the May primary. Most national political analysts have long counted the Mountain State in McCain's expected win column.

But the Democratic White House hopeful has still raised more money overall in West Virginia than McCain. Obama's election cycle total exceeds $302,500, compared to McCain's $172,700.

The totals for both candidates also reflect money donated by state residents to the victory funds set up by each party for their candidates.

Nearly two-thirds of Obama's contributions last month came in during the Democratic National Convention, which began Aug. 25. The Republicans began theirs Sept. 1.

Starting this month, McCain has agreed to accept only funds from the public financing system. That move limits what he can do with subsequent private donations. Allowable spending includes paying campaign accountants and lawyers, and funding party-level voter registration drives.

About a fourth of McCain's August sum arrived after he picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Nationally, his campaign raised $9 million in the three days after he announced his choice.

As it had through the election cycle, the money raised by both McCain and Obama in West Virginia last month pales next to their national totals. McCain attracted $47 million while Obama amassed $65 million in August -- personal bests for both.

McCain spent about $9,300 in West Virginia in August, mostly on his closed-to-the-public visit to Marshall University football practice that month. Obama spent $1,800, mostly with a contribution to the state's Democratic Party.

Republican John McCain attracted more money from West Virginians than Democrat Barack Obama last month.

The GOP's presidential nominee collected nearly $74,000 from Mountain State residents in August, about one and a half times the $47,800 that Obama received.

That marks the first time McCain's monthly in-state total has surpassed Obama's since the May primary. Most national political analysts have long counted the Mountain State in McCain's expected win column.

But the Democratic White House hopeful has still raised more money overall in West Virginia than McCain. Obama's election cycle total exceeds $302,500, compared to McCain's $172,700.

The totals for both candidates also reflect money donated by state residents to the victory funds set up by each party for their candidates.

Nearly two-thirds of Obama's contributions last month came in during the Democratic National Convention, which began Aug. 25. The Republicans began theirs Sept. 1.

Starting this month, McCain has agreed to accept only funds from the public financing system. That move limits what he can do with subsequent private donations. Allowable spending includes paying campaign accountants and lawyers, and funding party-level voter registration drives.

About a fourth of McCain's August sum arrived after he picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Nationally, his campaign raised $9 million in the three days after he announced his choice.

As it had through the election cycle, the money raised by both McCain and Obama in West Virginia last month pales next to their national totals. McCain attracted $47 million while Obama amassed $65 million in August -- personal bests for both.

McCain spent about $9,300 in West Virginia in August, mostly on his closed-to-the-public visit to Marshall University football practice that month. Obama spent $1,800, mostly with a contribution to the state's Democratic Party.