RNC Raised $66 Million in September

By Michael D. Shear
The Republican National Committee announced it has raised $66 million in September, a record month that should allow Sen. John McCain to compete with his well-funded rival for the presidency.

Sen. Barack Obama became the first presidential candidate to turn down general election public financing since the system was instituted, choosing instead to continue raising money for his campaign through election day. McCain, by contrast, accepted $84 million in public money by agreeing not to raise money after accepting the nomination.

But McCain is allowed to help raise money for the RNC, which has been breaking records in the last several months. The addition of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin energized the Republican base, giving a boost to fundraising.