RNC touts record-breaking July fund-raising

(CNN) -- The Republican National Committee said Friday it raised $37.7 million in July, making last month the best July in the party committee's history.

At the end of July, the RNC said it had $88.7 million cash on hand. They said July's numbers brought their yearly total to $158 million.

"Once again, the RNC has set a monthly fundraising record, illustrating the tremendous enthusiasm for a new direction in this country," RNC Chairman Reince Priebus wrote in a statement. "Both small and major donors have contributed to our fundraising success as they continue to express their support for Gov. Romney and our party. This money allows us to get our message out to voters across this country on the ground and on the air. This momentum will carry us to victory in November, when we defeat President Obama and get America working again."

Mitt Romney, along with the RNC and several state parties, raised $101.3 million in July, and ended the month with $185.9 million cash on hand. That was the third straight month the Republican effort outraised President Barack Obama and the Democrats, who brought in $75 million in July.

Romney and the RNC began joint fund-raising in April.