McCain posts biggest haul in August

ST. PAUL - Republican presidential candidate John McCain raised at least $47 million in August, his biggest haul so far and a sign that he is dispelling doubts about his campaign among conservative donors.

One campaign official, who discussed the fund-raising yesterday on the condition of anonymity because the numbers had not been officially tallied, said the campaign had raised $10 million since McCain announced Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska as his running mate on Friday. Palin has emerged as a popular vice presidential candidate among social conservatives.

Another official said that the Republican Party and the campaign will have between $224 million and $240 million available next week going into the fall campaign. That amount would include the $85 million in public funds that McCain will receive after he is nominated this week.

After receiving the federal funds, McCain will be prohibited from raising any more money for his campaign.

The $47 million total for August represents money raised by the campaign and McCain's share of a joint victory fund set up with the Republican Party.