Romney tops Obama in fundraising in May

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WASHINGTON, June 7 (UPI) -- Mitt Romney and the Republican National Committee topped $76 million, as U.S. President Obama and the Democratic Party tallied $60 million, the campaigns said.

May was the best so far in the election cycle for each candidate, reflecting both Romney's status as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and Obama's boost in fundraising from the gay community and a reported $15 million fundraiser hosted by actor George Clooney, the Washington Post reported Thursday.

The campaigns don't have to officially file their fundraising reports with the Federal Election Commission until May 20, but Obama's campaign broadcast the news on the Internet via Twitter.

"The campaign raised more than $60 million across committees in May. Thanks to everyone who chipped in," a post on Obama's 2012 campaign Twitter page read.

It's the first month that Romney and the RNC outraised Obama and the Democratic National Committee. In April, Romney trailed Obama $43.6 million to $40.1 million just as the GOP nominating contest was winding down.

Spencer Swick, Romney's finance chairman, said the campaign was "encouraged" by the support, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"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," Swick said.