WASHINGTON — Picking up the pace, President Barack Obama raised $45 million for his re-election bid in February, bringing his total to about $300 million for this election cycle, his campaign said Monday.

Pres. Obama stepped up fundraising efforts during the month, collecting nearly twice as much as the $23 million per month average he raised during the final three months of 2011 and more than the $29.1 million he raised in January. The money was spread among Pres. Obama’s campaign, the Democratic party and two campaign funds.

Pres. Obama’s campaign said nearly 350,000 people contributed in February and the average donation was about $59 for the entire election cycle. Nearly 98 percent of the donations were $250 or less.

With Republicans locked in an extended primary campaign, Pres. Obama’s team has tried to build a large 50-state operation that will help it register new voters, bring back past supporters and boost turnout.

Pres. Obama’s campaign had about $75 million in the bank through the end of January.

Campaign officials have implored its supporters to donate money and get involved, pointing to Republican-leaning super PACs expected to raise hundreds of millions of dollars to defeat the president.