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The SuperPAC Superdonors
October 23, 2012 More than two dozen people or groups have donated at least $1 million each to the new superPACs, which can raise unlimited funds to help a candidate — although without technically coordinating with that campaign. Here are those giving the most money, according to the Federal Election Commission.
Melons, Squash, Cash: A Million-Dollar Donor Sprouts
August 14, 2012 Until recently, Amy Goldman, the author of lavish books about heirloom fruits and vegetables, didn't have much interest in politics. But her concern about women's health led her to donate $1 million to a pro-Obama superPAC — and another million to Planned Parenthood's political arm.
It's All Politics
New SuperPAC Financial Reports Reveal More Big Spenders
June 21, 2012 The superPAC supporting President Obama attracted three $1 million donors last month. The pro-Romney superPAC also saw some new names popping up on its donor list — and it got a million-dollar donation in three chunks from a return address in Dayton, Ohio.
For A Billionaire, $2M Gets You Superdonor Status
May 28, 2012 After winning the 1992 America's Cup race, Bill Koch — the brother of billionaire industrialists David and Charles — treated all 260-plus people on the team, plus their families, to a trip to Hawaii. Now, the lesser known Koch brother has entered the presidential derby big leagues with a $2 million donation to the superPAC supporting Mitt Romney.
With Eye On Future, Billionaire Investor Bets On Paul
May 19, 2012 It may seem like a long shot, but that's exactly what Peter Thiel invests in. The Silicon Valley venture capitalist, who co-founded PayPal and was an early investor in Facebook, has said his support for Ron Paul is the best chance for now to encourage a libertarian movement.
Head Of Shrek's Studio Puts Millions Behind Obama
May 11, 2012 Some two dozen Americans have given $1 million or more to superPACs in the 2012 presidential campaign. The vast majority of them have been Republicans, but Jeffrey Katzenberg, the head of DreamWorks Animation, has chipped in $2 million to help out the superPAC supporting President Obama.
Planet Money
On The Million-Dollar Trail Of A Mystery SuperPAC Donor
April 26, 2012 The superPACs raising money to support the presidential candidates have few restrictions. But they do have to reveal who donated money. So what happens when a donation comes from someone trying to avoid public scrutiny?
SuperDonor Backs Romney — And Gay Marriage
April 17, 2012 Billionaire hedge fund manager Paul Singer has given $1 million to Restore Our Future, the superPAC supporting Mitt Romney. Singer is a longtime donor to GOP causes, but he's also a high-profile, big-money advocate for gay marriage.
Betting Big On Santorum, Donor's Motives A Mystery
April 8, 2012 While some of the mega-donors to the presidential superPACs have understandable self-interest or are frequent political givers, Louisiana businessman and oil industry executive William Doré is an enigmatic figure. He's given $1.5 million to the superPAC supporting Rick Santorum, but why?
Family Ties To Marriott Heirs Pay Off For Romney
April 5, 2012 Hotel tycoons J.W. and Richard Marriott have each donated $750,000 to the superPAC supporting Mitt Romney. The Romney and Marriott families share their Mormon faith — and a friendship that dates back a generation.
A Wyoming Millionaire Places His Faith In Santorum
March 31, 2012 Recently, Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum has shown strong fundraising numbers. But earlier in the contest, the campaign was relying on donations to a pro-Santorum superPAC and its vocal and generous benefactor — multimillionaire Foster Friess.
Bill Maher's Obama SuperPAC Donation Causing Stir
March 28, 2012 The comedian's $1 million check to the superPAC supporting President Obama is the first seven-figure donation to the group since Obama gave his tacit endorsement of the fundraising strategy. Conservative women upset by Maher's remarks about them say the superPAC should give back the money.
Lots Of GOP Money Flowing From The Texas Two
March 21, 2012 The latest Federal Election Commission reports shed new light on the political largesse of two Texas businessmen. One has contributed to three active GOP presidential candidates, including a new $1 million check to the superPAC backing Rick Santorum. The other just gave $3 million more to Mitt Romney's superPAC.
For A Personal Cause, Casino Owner Bets On Gingrich
March 20, 2012 One of the defining elements of the 2012 presidential campaign is money. Two dozen wealthy Americans have put in at least $1 million each. And one of the biggest donors is Sheldon Adelson, the casino magnate who has almost single-handedly kept Newt Gingrich's campaign afloat.
