Then the news broke that Hillary Clinton had opened up her personal checkbook several times over the past month, lending her campaign another $6.4 million.

That's on top of the $5 million check she dropped in the campaign war chest earlier this year.

No wonder she was again asking for money on Tuesday night during her victory speech in Indianapolis.

Part of me wonders how the Clinton team could have screwed things up this badly.  How could they have such a politically knowledgeable organization and yet have difficulty raising money at times?

Did Team Obama simply outwork them?

Or should we look at it another way, that even with all of her troubles, all of her monetary problems, all of her campaign missteps, why is she still so close to Obama?

Why can't he get rid of this candidate who has more warts than seemingly anyone else?

On Wednesday, Clinton's team hastily assembled a public event in Sheperdstown, West Virginia, just up the Potomac River from Washington, a prelude to a D.C. fundraiser last night as well.

The message is still Full Steam Ahead.

At least, that's what the Clinton people want you to think.

But realistically, the message is, The End Is Near.

Even if Clinton wins next Tuesday in West Virginia, that's not going to cut into the Obama lead in any serious manner.

There are only 28 delegates in the Mountaineer State, and as we were reminded the other day, even when you win by big margins, there's no way to run up the score.

How long does she stick around?  If she can get some money, she'll stay in through June 3rd, when the primaries end.

Most Democrats were quiet on this point Wednesday.  I bet a few more voices will start publicly saying that it's time for her to hang up her cleats in coming days.

Stay tuned.