WASHINGTON — Democrat Barack Obama again set a monthly record for presidential fundraising, bringing in $66 million in August that included donations from half a million new people, according to his campaign.
Obama’s August total easily outpaced Republican John McCain, who raised $47 million during that month, a personal best. Obama started September with $77 million in the bank and, because he opted out of the public financing system, will be able to raise as much as he can between now and Election Day. McCain opted to take public money, limiting him to the $84 million he had received by Sept. 1.
Nevertheless, Obama may not have an overwhelming financial advantage, because of a strong effort by the Republican National Committee, which has outraised its Democratic counterpart for months.
