Romney again tops Obama in fundraising

WASHINGTON -- Mitt Romney's presidential campaign raised at least $100 million for the third consecutive month in August, building upon a fundraising prowess that has allowed him to outraise President Barack Obama so far this summer, The Associated Press has learned.

The early numbers, including money raised by the national Republican Party, will be released publicly next week. They were described by two people familiar with the figures speaking on condition of anonymity.

Federal records show that Romney and the GOP have pulled in more cash than Obama's re-election effort in May, June and July, including money collected by the Democratic Party.

It is usually difficult for a challenger to raise more money than an incumbent holding a major elective office, particularly in a presidential race.

The figures exclude tens of millions that outside "super" political committees are pouring into the race to help Romney. Those groups have been largely bankrolled by wealthy Americans, thanks to recent changes in campaign-finance regulations.

The news further underscores the problem Obama's campaign may have in staying above water on money. His advisers are publicly acknowledging that the incumbent, once a record-breaker -- Obama raised $750 million four years ago --is likely to be outspent this time.

Obama and the Democratic Party have not disclosed their August fundraising figures.

Meanwhile, Republican vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan said on Tuesday in the Cleveland area that the country isn't better off after nearly four years under President Obama, and he compared the incumbent's record to the performance of the last Democratic president denied a second term.

"As a matter of fact, President Obama's record is worse than Jimmy Carter's record," Ryan declared from behind a lectern labeled with a sign that asks, "Are you better off?"

Mitt Romney traded the campaign trail Tuesday for a supporter's home in Vermont to prepare for next month's debates with Obama.