Free Republic

A record-breaking number of wealthy donors have gathered at conservative billionaire industrialist Charles Koch’s private weekend retreat, where leaders of the powerful political network have taken a decidedly different, more politically muted tone than in years past. […] On Saturday night, Charles Koch told the donors that attitudes against perceived adversaries and people with different beliefs were tearing the country apart but that his network was working to “unite with anybody to do right.” “This network has taken its effectiveness to a whole new level,” Koch said. […] Prominent Koch donor Doug Deason of Texas said the reported infighting between...

Ted Cruz's campaign for president says he has picked up the backing of a billionaire from the state, as well as its lieutenant governor. Darwin Deason, a technology entrepreneur, and his son, Doug, say they support Cruz. They had given millions of dollars to the 2016 efforts of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who ended his candidacy last month. Also coming into the Cruz fold is Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Patrick's backing of Cruz gives the Texas senator a powerful surrogate in a delegate-rich state where Republican primary voters go to the polls...