Here is part of an article written by AP writers Dunbar, Quaid, and Gruver, that talks about the state of the race among Democrats and Republicans. This is the portion focused on the GOP, and in it we learn that sources are saying John McCain will make a trip to Europe and the Middle East "mid-March," and that he may return to Iraq and Afghanistan and hopes to meet with Gen. David Petraeus prior to his tetimony before the Congress in April:

On the Republican side, John McCain, a veteran Arizona senator and former Vietnam prisoner of war who wrapped up his party's nomination last week, was focusing on raising enough money to take on the eventual Democratic nominee in November's general election.

The Democrats have raised staggering amounts of money. Last month alone, Obama raised $55 million (euro35.67 million), and Clinton $35 million (euro22.7 million). McCain, in contrast, was on track to raise $12 million (euro7.78 million), according to his campaign.

McCain's schedule has been packed with fundraisers _ he held five in two days last week _ and he will continue to raise money in the upcoming week during a swing through the Midwest and the Northeast.

Also on his agenda: beginning the search for a vice presidential running mate, meeting with Republican congressional leaders to discuss his role in the Senate, consulting with advisers to lay the groundwork for specific policy proposals, and possibly making another trip to Iraq or Afghanistan to assess the situation.

A source familiar with McCain's plans said the trip would be for a week in mid-March to Europe and the Middle East; the source spoke on condition of anonymity because the Senate has not released details. McCain also said he hopes to meet with Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, before Petraeus gives Congress a status report on the war next month.