Obama reports $181M donated in September

WASINGTON, D.C., Oct. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama's campaign received $181 million in September from more than 1.8 million contributors, officials announced Saturday.

The total reflected combined gifts directly to the campaign and contributions to the Democratic National Committee, Politico reported.

"Some amazing news this morning: 1,825,813 people came together to raise $181 million for this campaign in September," a tweet from @BarackObama said. "Of the 1,825,813 people who donated in September, 567,000 were new to this organization -- not having given before in 2008 or 2012."

The total was a monthly record so far for either campaign during this election cycle, The New York Times reported. But it was less than the record $193 million the Obama campaign raised in September 2008.

Republican nominee Mitt Romney's campaign has not yet released its September figures. His staff has said donations jumped immediately after Wednesday night's debate.

Democrats began September with the party convention in Charlotte, N.C., where speeches by first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and President Obama energized delegates and supporters watching on television.