With Senator McCain’s number surging upward in recent polls, it appears that the campaign is seeking to take out a $3 million line of credit to provide some flexibility with staff and advertising in the coming weeks.

Campaign aides said they hoped to finalize arrangements within days for a line of credit of about $3 million to help pay for expenses as well as for ads, mailings and other means of voter contact. The campaign also is considering taking public matching funds.

Separately, a newly created group was airing an ad Friday in South Carolina that portrays the Arizona senator and two of his congressional allies as “leaders who share our priorities” of supporting funds for U.S. troops and opposing pork-barrel spending.

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McCain is considering accepting public matching funds for his campaign. At this point, he would be eligible for $5 million, but aides said McCain has made no decision on whether to accept the money. By doing so, McCain would have to restrict his spending in primary states, placing him at a potential disadvantage against better-financed rivals.

Once considered the GOP front-runner, McCain found himself all but broke and languishing in polls at summer’s end. As fall began, his fortunes improved, and he now senses opportunity, particularly in New Hampshire and South Carolina.

The compressed primary calendar has increased pressure on his campaign to capitalize on his improved standing — and spend heavily on television ads. The Iowa caucuses are scheduled for Jan. 3 and could be followed promptly by the New Hampshire primary. Michigan is considering holding a primary Jan. 15, followed by South Carolina on Jan. 19.