Related articles:

Even in Ariz., McCain in troubleFederal Election Comm. says McCain eligible for matching funds

Other articles by Daniel Scarpinato:

Joe Sweeney likely to win a primary race for 2nd time GOP convention is packed with meaning for Arizona Political Notebook by Daniel Scarpinato : '08 race for presidency is covering fresh turf McCain and Biden go way back together In leaders, age is a cultural touchstone McCain, in Phx., turns up the heat on Obama State Dem leaders: Clinton supporters a challenge for Obama Bee ad says 'S. Arizonans are victims' S. Arizona will have diverse delegation at Dems' national bashRepublicans alter their energy tactics

General
.
MYSTERY SHOPPERS General
VALLEY PROTECTIVE SERVICES
SECURITY OFFICERS Health Care
VALOR HOSPICECARE
ON-CALL NURSE Production and Manufacturing
QUALITY MANAGER General
Maintenance Technician Health Care
Sonora Behavorial Health
Executive Assistant Health Care
Mountain Land Rehabilitation
Physical Therapist

John McCain could really use a birthday present.

As Arizona's senior senator celebrates his 71st birthday today, his cash-strapped presidential campaign is using the date to help boost fundraising.

"Birthdays are always special occasions in the McCain family," McCain's wife Cindy wrote in a recent electronic birthday card. "Even during this grueling, historic campaign, we can't lose sight of what's really important. I know my husband won't."

Then the pitch: "I hope you'll consider commemorating his birthday with a special gift of $142 — just $2 for each year as a friendly reminder of his birthday?"

McCain's mother made the same plea to supporters this week.

The efforts come as the Federal Election Commission announced Tuesday that McCain is eligible to receive public financing for his campaign.

Under federal election law, a candidate is qualified to receive public money if they prove they have raised a total of $5,000 through contributions of $250 or less in each of 20 states.

The FEC said McCain met that threshold, and also agreed, in line with the requirements, to abide by an overall spending total as well as limits in each state.

That would leave McCain more limited than competitors like former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney when in comes to how much he can raise overall. But in the face of limited campaign resources, McCain may need the money if he seeks to resurrect his struggling bid for the White House.

Back home, a poll released Tuesday by Phoenix's Channel 8 showed McCain still winning among Arizona Republicans, with Romney 5 points behind the senator.

McCain's lead is within the margin of error, though he still does well in Arizona against the presumptive Democratic candidates in head-to-head matches, beating New York Sen. Hillary Clinton by 12 points and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama by 14 points.

In national primary polling, however, McCain now carries single digits in some surveys, after being considered the front-runner in early 2007.

McCain spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said "we have not yet made a final decision" regarding matching funds, but said response to the birthday blitz "has been very, very positive."

She also sought to quash rumors that McCain was looking for public dollars in order to pay off debts and get out of the race.

"That is not the case," she said. "We did this to put all options on the table. The senator is fully committed to this race."

As McCain hits 71 today, he faces another struggle: In polling, voters are more uneasy electing someone 72 years old — as he will be in on election day in November 2008 — than they are electing a woman, a Mormon, someone who is black or a smoker. McCain would be the oldest person elected president.

If McCain wins, he will be the oldest man ever elected president, with Ronald Reagan coming in second at age 69.