Simmons and Chopra raise $5 million for Obama

Rap mogul Russell Simmons and spiritual guru Deepak Chopra have helped to raise $5 million for President Barack Obama's re-election campaign after co-hosting a fundraiser in New York.

Simmons and Chopra teamed up to throw a big party at ABC Carpet & Home on Thursday (01Mar12) to lend their support to the Democrat, who is hoping to win a second term in office in the election later this year (12).

Guests were treated to a performance by acclaimed hip-hop group The Roots, while comedian Aziz Ansari served as presenter.

Taking to Twitter.com on Friday (02Mar12), Simmons writes, "can't believe how much money we raised last night for Barack's re-election efforts... wowowowowo".