Which Political Party Richest People In America Have Made Personal Contributions?

Is the GOP the party of the rich?  Or is the Democratic Party the party of the rich? Got a theory?

Charles Ergen — Democrats — worth an estimated at $15 billion.

Dish Network Chairman Charlie Ergen gives almost exclusively to Democrats, and this cycle he’s given to all the endangered Senate Democratic incumbents like Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), Virginia Senator Mark Warner (D), first-term Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska and two-term U.S Senator Mark Pryor of Arkansas.

Bill Gates — Democrats — worth an estimated at $76 billion.

Microsoft cofounder and world’s richest man Bill Gates has given $15,000 to both the Democratic and Republican congressional campaign committees this year, but he’s given almost exclusively to Democratic candidates this cycle.

Warren Buffett — Democrats — worth an estimated at $58.2 billion.

Billionaire Warren Buffett is a big supporter of Barack Obama  and for at least the last 4 years has given around $30,000 annually to the Democratic National Committee.

Lawrence Ellison — Republicans — worth an estimated at $48 billion.

Larry Ellison, the founder and chief executive of Oracle, gave $3 million to the Restore Our Future PAC in 2012, the super PAC supporting Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign. Oracle chief has given to a mix of GOP and Democratic candidates over the years, but most of his recent donations have gone to Republicans like House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Christy Walton — Republicans OR Mixed — worth an estimated at $36.7 billion.

Christy Walton, the widow of John T. Walton, heir to the Walmart fortune, gave mostly to Republicans throughout her life, but this cycle has given to only one candidate: Democratic New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

Philip Knight — Republicans — worth an estimated at $18.4 billion.

Nike co-founder and chairman Philip Knight is a Republican contributor, giving this year $32,400 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Charles and David Koch — Republicans — worth an estimated at $40 billion each.

A massive force in conservative Republican politics, the Koch brothers have spent millions to influence American politics through their nonprofit Americans for Prosperity.

Sheldon Adelson — Republicans —worth an estimated at $37.5 billion.

Las Vegas Sands CEO and chairman Sheldon Adelson gave $15 million to Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich’s primary campaign in 2012 and gave $10 million to Restore Our Future, the political action committee backing eventual Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney in 2012.  In all, The Post estimated that Adelson spent more than $100 million in an unsuccessful effort to defeat President Barack Obama.

Dennis Washington — Republicans — worth an estimated at $5.8 billion.

Montana’s wealthiest resident, Dennis Washington has given $19,800 to NRCC this year and $50,000 to Restore Our Future in 2012.

Bruce Halle — Republicans — worth an estimated at $4.8 billion.

Discount Tire founder and the richest man in Arizona is a Tea Party backer. This campaign cycle he’s given to the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund, FreedomWorks for America, Tea Party Express and the Allen West Guardian Fund.

Frank Vandersloot — Republicans — worth an estimated at $1.2 billion.

Multimillionaire and Melaleuca founder gave $30,800 this year to the RNC and $50,000 to American Crossroads in 2013. In 2012, he gave $200,000 to American Crossroads and $100,000 to Restore Our Future.

Harold Hamm — Republicans — worth an estimated at $14.6 billion.

klahoma oilman Harold Hamm, billionaire founder of oil firm Continental Resources, has given a few Democratic incumbents like Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Begich and Arkansas Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor campaign contributions, but most of his money goes to Republicans.

In 2012, Oil tycoon gave $985,000 to Restore Our Future, and this cycle he’s given to the RNC, NRSC and Eric Cantor‘s PAC, Every Republican is Crucial. Moreover, CEO of Continental Resources was an energy adviser on Romney’s campaign.

Denny Sanford — Republicans — worth an estimated at $1.3 billion.

Sanford, CEO United National Corp, has given to Republicans, including $1,000 each to Romney, Rick Perry and $500 to Tim Pawlenty in 2011.

Maloof  Brothers — Democrats — worth an estimated at $1 billion.

There are 4 Maloof brothers; Joe Maloof, Gavin Maloof, George J. Maloof, and Phil Maloof and they have all mostly given to Democratic candidates. Phil Maloof, a New Mexico state senator in the late 1990s, ran unsuccessfully against Heather Wilson as a Democrat for Congress in 1998. Though this year one brother, Gavin, has given $2,600 each to two Republican candidates for Congress, Niger Innis in Nevada and Ryan Zinke in Montana.

Jon Huntsman — Republicans — worth an estimated at $1.1 billion.

Utah’s wealthiest resident, Jon Huntsman paid $2.2 million in donations to Our Destiny PAC, the super PAC in 2012 backing his son’s run for president. The founder of Huntsman Chemical Corporation has not given this cycle.