Gingrich's Main Backer Plays Two Angles (Report: Adelson after Rick)

Wall Street Journal ^ | 2-14-12 | Mundy

[VinL]

Billionaire Sheldon Adelson, by far the biggest financial backer of Newt Gingrich's presidential bid, is preparing to open his wallet again. But this time, the casino magnate appears to have more than one agenda.

In a bit of political chess, Mr. Adelson is ready to not only directly support the former House speaker in the Republican primary, but to use his cash to push Rick Santorum from his position atop the latest national polls, according to people to have discussed the matter with Mr. Adelson.

Enlarge Image ADELSON ADELSON Las Vegas Review-Journal/Associated Press

Sheldon Adelson, shown with his wife, Miriam, at a Nevada caucus meeting in Summerlin, Nev., could give an additional $10 million to Newt Gingrich.

If Mr. Gingrich could afford to continue campaigning, one of those people said, he might be able to draw off conservative and evangelical voters from Mr. Santorum, improving the chances of Mitt Romney, who Mr. Adelson believes has a better chance to win November's general election.

"Sheldon says we all have to keep our eyes on the goal here—beating Obama," said a person who talked with Mr. Adelson.

According to the people who have discussed the matter, Mr. Adelson could give an additional $10 million or more to an independent group supporting Mr. Gingrich before Super Tuesday, March 6, a likely pivotal day when 10 states go to the polls. The Adelson family has already given $11 million to support Mr. Gingrich since December.

Mr. Adelson has repeatedly declined to comment on his donations. He "holds his cards tight to the chest because this has been such a seesaw primary you don't know where it's going to go," said Andy Abboud, vice president for government relations at Las Vegas Sands Corp.... (snip)

[freedomfiter2]

If everyone thought for themselves, and voted accordingly, the megacash would be meaningless.

Now, back to the real world where maybe 20% of the people think for themselves.

[JohnBovenmyer]

Yup. Soros front group CREW calls Rick one of the most corrupt members of Congress. Judging Rick by his our enemies makes this quite an accomplishment!