Here Are The Billionaires Spending Big To Keep Lindsey Graham In The Senate

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Locked in a tight race for his Senate seat, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina received a last-minute boost from out-of-state billionaires in early October, according to records filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Idaho’s Frank VanderSloot, worth an estimated $3.5 billion, contributed $300,000 to a pro-Graham super-PAC named Security is Strength. Florida’s Laura Perlmutter, the wife of Marvel Comics king Ike Perlmutter, donated $250,000. Sandwich tycoon Jimmy John Liautaud, also of Florida, gave $150,000. Massachusetts shoe baron Jim Davis, of New Balance, contributed $100,000. In all, eight billionaires and their spouses gave about $1.1 million to the group during the first two weeks of October. At least $4 million more came from so-called “dark money” groups, which can funnel money into the political system without disclosing their donors.

The recent donations brought the super-PAC’s total fundraising to $10.9 million since the start of 2019. About 25% of that money is traceable to billionaires, none of who live in South Carolina. The biggest individual donors are Las Vegas casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, who each gave $500,000 in July 2019.

Graham surely appreciates the cash. Super-PACs can raise unlimited sums from anyone and advertise in support of a particular candidate, though they cannot coordinate their spending with campaigns. By contrast, campaigns are only allowed to raise $5,600 from any one donor, forcing them to gather smaller donations from more people. Graham’s campaign has raised $69.7 million directly, far less than the campaign of his Democratic opponent, Jaime Harrison, which has gathered $109 million in direct contributions, according to FEC filings.

In addition, Harrison has also received help from some big billionaire backers from around the country. An anti-Graham super-PAC called LMG (Lindsey Must Go) has raised $3.8 million, 39% of which has come from a single tycoon—Hyatt Hotels heir John Pritzker of San Francisco. In addition to Pritzker’s $1.5 million, the group has also raised $55,000 from Hollywood producer David Geffen and $25,000 from Sue Mandel, the wife of hedge fund billionaire Stephen Mandel Jr.

Here is a closer look at the billionaire donors Forbes found who have contributed to the super-PAC supporting Lindsey Graham, through October 14, according to FEC filings.

Sheldon & Miriam Adelson

Net worth: $31.4 billion

Source of wealth: Casinos

Residence: Las Vegas

Contributions to super-PAC: $1 million

Frank VanderSloot

Net worth: $3.5 billion

Source of wealth: Nutrition, wellness products

Residence: Idaho Falls, Idaho

Contributions: $300,000

Larry Ellison

Net worth: $74.2 billion