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President Barack Obama spent more money in June than Mitt Romney, who raised more than the incumbent, according to campaign reports filed with the Federal Election Commission recently.
The president and the Democratic National Committee shelled out $70.8 million in June, including $38 million for television advertising. Mr. Romney and the Republican National Committee were more restrained in their expenditures $38.8 million $11 million of which went to television ads.
The president had about $72 million in primary cash at the end of June, to Mr. Romneys $20 million, the New York Times reported. The numbers reflect Mr. Obamas legion of small donors who can contribute repeatedly without reaching the $2,500 limit for primary season. Mr. Romneys early donors exceeded the limit while helping him deal with Republican rivals several months ago.
However, Mr. Romney has been hauling in small donations as well this past month. Checks less than $200 made up one-third of his fundraising in June, the New York Times noted.
But the Republican has relied on outside groups that have spent big bucks to attack the presidents record and policies. American Crossroads, a GOP super Pac, is spending $9 million to criticize Mr. Obamas attacks on Mr. Romney. Restore our Future spent $15 million through June on Mr. Romneys behalf, and raised $20 million the same month. Other tax-exempt issue groups have dedicated millions more against Mr. Obama.
Mr. Romneys joint committee with the Republican National Committee hauled in $140 million in the three months through June.
In terms of hiring and building the campaign, the Republican is catching up with Mr. Obama and the Democrats. Both candidates use bundlers, who gather money from friends and associates, and host fundraisers. Some 200 supporters have raised $100 million for the president. Mr. Romney is thought to have 1,200 bundlers, many of them financial industry executives.
Just funding and running a presidential campaign is a major enterprise, testing both candidates and their organizations. It is not for the faint-hearted or half-hearted.