While the Secret Service has a budget of $83.5 million, nearly $10 million more than the last presidential election,  Sen John McCain travels the campaign trail without Secret Service protection.  However, during an interview today with Fox News’ Chris Wallace, he said he is reconsidering Secret Service protection.

McCain has not asked for protection and statutorily, he is not required to take protection.  But he said as his notoriety increases it is probably a good idea.

“I’ve never done it.  After we won New Hampshire in 2000, they really tried to get us, but we said no,” McCain said last November while campaigning in Concord, N.H.  “It’s an invasion of your ability to have contact with voters.”

This of couorse has been in contrast with his Democratic rivals.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton travels with Secret Service agents due to her status as a former first lady, and Sen. Barack Obama requested and began receiving protection last year.