When Gov. Chris Christie served as chairman of the Republican Governors Association last year, the party took in two new governorships, to set the current record at 31 Republicans, 18 Democrats, and one independent (Alaska).
Christie’s tenure was also marked by intensive fundraising on the part of the GOP governors, NJ Spotlight reports, with $102 million, out of which 17 single contributions were of $1 million or more.
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Topping the list of donors was the CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sheldon Adelson, whose contributions over 2013-14 came to $4.5 million, plus he gave Christie his private jet to fly his family to Israel in 2012 on a trade mission.
Then Christie called the disputed territories “Occupied, ” and had to apologize publicly to Adelson. Which shows you that, occasionally, love does mean you should say you’re sorry.
There are several other big Jewish donors to the GOP govs. Wynn Resorts owner Stephen Wynn is another casino magnate who gave big to make America’s more GOP: $2 million.
CEO of hedge fund Elliott Management Corporation Paul Singer, a strong supporter of Mitt Romney in 2012, gave Christie’s govs $2.6 million.
And Michael Bloomberg gave those govs $1.25 million.
Having such a huge advantage in the number of governors gives Republicans the edge when it comes to drawing election district maps in their states, in a way that guarantees their candidates, incumbents and newcomers alike, an easy pass to the many different elected offices they covet.
