Despite Clinton’s Lead, Is Bernie Sanders’ Campaign Too Rich To Quit?

Another Tuesday, another rough night for Bernie Sanders. Hillary Clinton once again swept the Southern states, and slowed the momentum that Sanders was supposed to be gaining in the Rust Belt after his surprise Michigan victory last week. Although Sanders was leading in Missouri late Tuesday and he made inroads with the black vote in the Midwest, the delegate chasm is probably insurmountable.

But that doesn't mean Sanders is going to drop out anytime soon. He's given every indication of sticking to his promise to stay in the race until July, when the Democratic National Convention will take place. And why shouldn't he? Some polls say the states still ahead are relatively friendly territory for him. But more important: Based on his campaign's latest fundraising numbers, Sanders probably has more than enough cash to keep running until the bitter end.

In February alone, the Sanders campaign reported a haul of $42.7 million, outraising Clinton for the second month in a row. The former secretary of state brought in just $30 million in February; in January, she raised less than $15 million, while Sanders brought in a little more than $21 million.

Granted, Clinton still has more cash on hand overall, at least according to the latest Federal Elections Commission filings from January. As of Jan. 31, the Sanders campaign had less than $15 million at its disposal, whereas Clinton had more than $32 million. But the gap could be narrower after the next round of FEC filings; Sanders' fundraising momentum among small donors -- averaging about $30 apiece — shows no signs of slowing down, and many of Clinton's large contributors have already maxed out.

Clinton will likely maintain an overall money advantage throughout the rest of the nomination race, especially once outside spending is factored in. But Sanders is very far from broke, and probably has the cash to keep going until the clock runs out.