Obama raises $53M for campaign, Democrats in March - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama raised a combined $53 million for his campaign, the Democratic Party and other campaign-related funds in March. He's preparing to face Mitt Romney and a rejuvenated GOP in the general election.

The monthly fundraising total brings Obama's total to nearly $350 million since the start of the campaign last year. He's raised about $127 million for his campaign, the Democratic National Committee and other campaign funds since the beginning of 2012.

Obama's entering a new phase against Romney, who has begun raising money jointly with the Republican National Committee in an effort to cut into the president's early fundraising advantage. The RNC raised $13.7 million in March, its best month of the election cycle and had $32.7 million in cash.