Obama enters October with $133.6 million in hand

[October 21, 2008]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama reports spending $87.5 million in September. His campaign financial report shows he began October with $133.6 million in the bank.

The numbers illustrate his advantage over John McCain, his Republican rival. McCain ended September with $47 million in the bank.

Both candidates are also getting help from their respective parties. The Democratic National Committee had $27.4 million in hand at the end of the month. The Republican National Committee said it had $77 million.

That makes the stakes a bit closer, with the Democrats holding a $37 million advantage.

Obama raised $150 million in September. McCain is accepting public financing and is limited to $84 million.

[Associated Press]

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