NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia - Fundraising never stops.

Just before Tuesday’s election, U.S. presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain aren’t only trolling for votes, they’re asking for money.

“Make a donation of $5 or more today to expand our efforts in these new battleground states,” Obama campaign manager David Plouffe wrote in an email to supporters on Saturday  — three days  before the election –  referring to new states where the campaign was buying television ads. 

The incentive? Plouffe promised one lucky donor and a guest an all-expenses paid trip to Chicago for Obama’s rally on election night.

The Obama campaign has raised more money than any other presidential campaign in U.S. political history, having pulled in more than $150 million in September.

But there are always more ways to spend it.

Republicans are seeking cash as well.

“The Obama-Biden Democrats are using their financial edge over our candidates to flood media markets with ads, stuff mail boxes with their literature, and pay workers to canvass neighborhoods,” McCain’s running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, wrote in an email to supporters on Friday, seeking contributions.

“We must raise an additional $5 million in the next 72 hours to help fund our final get-out-the-vote efforts.”

Even the candidates’ spouses are getting in on the game. On Thursday Michelle Obama sent out an email to supporters asking for cash.

“I know this campaign has asked a lot of you. But in the next 5 days, Barack will need you more than ever before,” she wrote, plugging for one last donation.

Click here for more Reutes 2008 campaign coverage.

Photo credit: Reuters/Jay LaPrete (Michelle Obama speaks at a rally)