Romney, GOP bring in nearly $112M through mid-October

Mitt Romney and the Republican Party raised nearly $112 million in the first half of October as the presidential candidates sprint to Election Day.

Andrea Saul, Romney's spokeswoman, announced the fundraising haul Thursday via Twitter.

"BOOM: In first half of October alone, @Mitt Romney effort raised $111.8 million. #RomneyRyan2012," she posted.

Money is crucial to pay for advertising and get-out-the-vote efforts, especially in swing states such as Ohio where public opinion polls are close.

Romney, the national Republican Party and outside groups aligned with the GOP entered October with a cash advantage, according to a USA TODAY analysis. While Romney's principal campaign account had a smaller balance than Obama's, the GOP combined had a $34 million cash advantage over the Democratic team.

In recent days, the Obama and Romney camps have claimed momentum as the race enters its final two weeks. Romney said in a fundraising e-mail sent Thursday that his debates with Obama have "supercharged" his campaign.

"We're seeing more and more enthusiasm -- and more and more support," Romney said in the money pitch.

Obama adviser David Plouffe knocked down Romney's momentum claim this week as "more bluff than reality" and argued the president has "more plausible pathways" to 270 electoral votes.

Reports are due at midnight to the Federal Election Commission for money raised through Oct. 17. Obama has not disclosed his fundraising for the first half of the month.

USA Today