Gingrichs billionaire backer | News

The casino magnate who has pumped millions into US Republican presidential candidate’s campaign.

Sheldon Adelson, a casino magnate with a net worth of $21bn and the world’s sixteenth richest man has thrown chunks of his vast fortune in US Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich’s way.

The $10mn Adelson has contributed to groups in support of Gingrich is an example of the kinds of unlimited investment wealthy donors can contribute to US political campaigns following a controversial court ruling.

Asked why he thinks the highly pro-Israel Adelson has been in support of his potential presidency, Gingrich replied plainly “he knows I’m very pro-Israel”.

But there is also fear that without Adelson’s fortunes, pro-Gingrich groups and even the campaign itself may be in financial jeopardy.

Tom Ackerman reports from Washington.

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