(Image source: Red Dog Report)

BY BLAKE HANSON

He’s been toward the back of the pack in the polls, but now Jon Huntsman is trailing in another category... campaign finances. CBS News reports...

“The campaign said Friday it has just $327,000 on hand and $890,000 in debt... The campaign has slashed spending and cut staff since the candidate entered the race in June, and it says its fundraising has improved in recent weeks.”

But the lack of green hasn’t kept luxury out of the Huntsman campaign. Politico calls the campaign a “penthouse-and-private jet operation.”

“A POLITICO examination of the former Utah governor’s travel expenses, filed in his federal campaign disclosure reports, show the candidate and his staff stayed in some of the most exclusive and expensive hotels in New York and Florida...”

So if there isn’t much financial backing -- where’s the Huntsman campaign getting support? An analyst on MSNBC says it’s the media.

“Jon Huntsman is the media’s candidate, he is the guy the media would love to see run for this nomination, he has no base within the Republican party, not in this cycle.”

The Huntsman campaign says it’s been making changes to try and jump out of the red. USA Today has more...

“Huntsman spokesman Tim Miller said the campaign ‘will have the resources necessary to ensure he will win in New Hampshire and go on to the nomination.’ Miller said the campaign ‘has reorganized to become more nimble’ and fundraising so far in October ‘has reflected that.’"

Huntsman is boycotting the Nevada caucus and Tuesday’s western states debate in an attempt to step up his game in New Hampshire. NECN offers analysis on how the financial factor might play a role in the Granite state’s primary...

“A candidate can do well in New Hampshire on short money if they have the right message.”

“The New Hampshire or bust strategy twice worked for John McCain and launched Bill Clinton's success, but it is under greater threat than ever before.  The January 14th first in the west caucus may push the first in the nation primary into December and to the brink.”