President Barack Obama’s extensive fundraising operation paid off in August by allowing him to slightly out-raise Gov. Mitt Romney, $114 million to $111.6 million.
Democrats announced their financial edge Sept. 10, but made more predictions that the president’s money machine will be out-raised by Romney in September.
“The key to fighting back against the special interests writing limitless checks to support Mitt Romney is growing our donor base… [and the $114 million] is a critical downpayment on the organization we are building across the country,” said Jim Messina, Obama’s campaign manager.
Romney’s team said they had $168.5 million in the bank, giving them funds to run a new wave of advertising in critical swing-states. The Obama campaign did not announce their total end-of-August bank balance, which has been depleted by extensive TV campaigns and is likely smaller than Romney’s.
Also, Romney raised more in donations than Obama in July and June.
Both candidates are also being aided by super PACs. These groups raise funds from wealthy donors on the left and right, but tend to keep their fundraising sources secret.
Priorities USA Action, an Obama-supporting super PAC, is reportedly trying to raise $150 million. It is now being aided Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel, a former chief of staff of Obama.
So far, Priorities has raised $35 million.