Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney raised $76.8 million in campaign funds in May, a huge jump above his April numbers, marking the first time he has brought in more money than President Barack Obama.
"We are encouraged by the financial support from a broad range of voters. To them, whether they are Republican, Democrat, Independent, a first time political donor, or a former Obama donor, this is not just a campaign; it's an opportunity for the country," Romney Victory National Finance Chairman Spencer Zwick said in an email message Thursday.
"Our strong fund-raising is a sign that Americans are tired of President Obama's broken promises and want a change of direction in the White House," Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus added.
President Obama raised around $60 million, his campaign announced Thursday, up sharply from $43.6 million in April. But Romney's numbers were staggering, rising over $38 million compared to his April total.
Of the $76.8 million, the Romney campaign said 93% of the donations were made in amounts of $250 or less. The campaign and RNC now have $107 million in cash-on-hand.
Romney has focus his campaign on one issue - the economy - and has hammered away in recent weeks and months against what he calls Obama's failed 'hope and change' ideology. Obama, in California yesterday for a serious of fundraisers, criticized Romney for his negative ads.
"Because [Republicans] don't have any new ideas, what they will do is spend $500, $700, a billion dollars on negative ads and their simple message will be: This is somebody else's fault, and that's enough reason for you to vote for us," Obama told supporters in San Francisco.
"And if we don't answer them, that can work," he added.
Romney will be in Iowa Friday, a vital swing state. Meanwhile today, the president is in Las Vegas speaking on college affordability and student loan interest rates.
by RTT Staff Writer
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