Syrian forces launch all-out Damascus assault

Syrian forces have launched an all-out assault on opposition strongholds in Damascus, after rebels seized crossings on the Iraq and Turkey borders amid a heavy death toll.

Rebel fighters also clashed with troops in several neighbourhoods of Aleppo on Friday in what the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said was the fiercest fighting so far in Syria's second city.

At the United Nations, the Security Council voted unanimously to give a "final" 30-day extension to a troubled observer mission that was charged with overseeing a peace plan for Syria but which suspended its operations on June 16 in the face of mounting violence.

Friday's vote followed emergency consultations just hours before the expiry of the 300-strong mission's mandate, after Russia threatened to use its veto powers as a council permanent member for the second time in as many days.

In Syria, state television trumpeted the news of the military's Damascus offensive.

"Our brave army forces have completely cleansed the area of Midan in Damascus of the remaining mercenary terrorists and have re-established security," it said, using the regime term for rebels.

Reporters taken on a regime-organised trip of Midan saw three bodies, empty streets, shuttered shops and buildings pockmarked with bullet holes.

The counter-offensive by the army came after a Wednesday bombing killed four senior members of the regime, including the national security chief, who died on Friday.

General Hisham Ikhtiyar had been wounded along with Interior Minister Mohammed al-Shaar in the National Security headquarters bombing, which was claimed by the Free Syrian Army (FSA).

Defence Minister General Daoud Rajha, President Bashar al-Assad's brother-in-law Assef Shawkat and General Hassan Turkmani, head of the regime's crisis cell on the uprising, were all killed in the explosion.

A state funeral was held for the three in Damascus on Friday ahead of their burials in their native provinces, the official SANA news agency reported, adding that Vice President Faruq al-Shara had attended but not Assad himself.

A security source told AFP the army was now in control of the Damascus neighbourhoods of Midan, Tadamon, Qaboon and Barzeh, while fierce clashes were reported in other districts including Jubar, Mazzeh and Kfar Sousa.

The Observatory also reported intense fighting in several neighbourhoods of Aleppo and said troops opened fire on a large demonstration in the city, Syria's commercial centre.

It said 177 people were killed nationwide, including 119 civilians, at least seven of them children.

The deaths came after 302 people were killed on Thursday, the deadliest day of the uprising so far.

Amnesty International said the rebels too could be held criminally responsible for the deaths of civilians as they took the fight to residential areas of the large cities.

An AFP photographer reported that FSA fighters fought a raging battle with Syrian troops at the Bab al-Hawa border post with Turkey and that some 150 rebels controlled the crossing on Friday.

Three more generals crossed into Turkey, bringing to 24 the number of generals who have defected to Syria's northern neighbour, a foreign ministry diplomat told AFP.

On Thursday, Iraq's deputy interior minister Adnan al-Assadi told AFP that the FSA had seized control of all three crossings along their common border.

At the Albu Kamal border point, an AFP photographer saw a watchtower apparently empty and immigration buildings deserted.

But later in the day, medics and rebel fighters reported heavy shelling by the army of Albu Kamal town.

Residents on the Iraqi side of the border said that relatives in the town were desperately trying to cross but that they were being turned back by Iraqi troops.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki called on the United Nations on Friday to intervene to provide safe passage for Iraqis escaping the escalating violence in Syria.

The Iraqi government also warned it would not be able to assist Syrians looking to escape the bloodshed.

At the United Nations, Security Council permanent members Russia and China both voted in favour of a resolution extending the mandate of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria for a "final" 30 days, a day after blocking another text that could have imposed sanctions on the regime.

Thursday's vetoes sparked Western outrage but Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin had threatened to use Moscow's veto again.

US National Security Adviser Thomas Donilon will head to China on Sunday, in the wake of Beijing and Moscow's veto, and will also visit Japan, the White House announced.

Russia had wanted an unconditional extension of the mission for a renewable 45 days.

Russia and Western members of the Security Council remained divided over whether the resolution means the end of UNSMIS.

The text says the council renews UNSMIS for "a final period of 30 days" and stresses the "increasingly dangerous security situation" in Syria.

But it adds that the council would be willing to look at a further extension if UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon "reports and the Security Council confirms the cessation of the use of heavy weapons and a reduction in the level of violence sufficient to allow UNSMIS to implement its mandate."

US ambassador Susan Rice said it would be "unlikely" that the violence in Syria would ease enough to allow a continued UN presence.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/syrian-forces-launch-damascus-assault-015949314.html

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Email List Generating Strategies ? Ways To Generate An Online List ...

When you begin internet marketing, you will soon discover how necessary building a list is to your online success. If you don?t have a mailing list of loyal subscribers, you won?t make as much money as you could. Having an email list makes it easier to get return website visitors and to make more sales. Below I am going to share with you email list building tips for your business.

Building a good email list doesn?t have to be a hard task. One thing you will certainly want is a good autoresponder to collect emails and a webpage to place it on. How then, will you get web visitors to sign up for your list?

A good way to get new people on your list to give away a free e book in exchange for their email addresses. Make your e book appealing and valuable so people won?t hesitate about asking for it. When your ebook is helpful and valuable, it makes you look good, casts a good light on you and makes your readers more comfortable with you so they listen to your recommendations and buy your products..

So a very important aspect of the internet marketing equation is learning how to acquire new list members. Retaining your subscribers is the other part. If you mail your mailing list too often, or only send them promotional material, your subscribers will not be happy because you will come off like a marketer rather than an expert in your field. You may lose credibility and subscribers. So be certain to always give your email list members good content and treat them well.

Many seasoned internet marketing gurus suggest that you always weed out your list. When your freebie seekers become buyers of your products, you should move their email addresses to a new list of known buyers. A person who did business with you once, is likely to again. A mailing list of readers who are known to buy your services is a valuable asset to your business. Even a small list can earn you a nice income if you develop it right.

Besides making money, the email list also makes internet marketing easier. You won?t need to always fight for new visitors all the time or update your site as often. However you must still do those things to some extent, but when you have the list, you have an available group of people to market to and pull to your website. With a responsive email list, you should be able to earn commissions or sales with every mailing you make.

You?ll see that internet marketing pros don?t really agree on the proper frequency at which you should mail your list. You absolutely don?t want to mail too much or you will get excessive unsubscribes. On the other hand, if you don?t send mail to your mailing list regularly enough, then your readers are liable to forget about you and then wonder if you are spamming when you do send them an email. Experience will teach you the best frequency to mail your readers because it may depend upon the niche you are in too.

Internet marketing with a newsletter always carries the risk of being called a spammer. Some people are just lazy, or don?t know better, and will hit the spam link to get off your email list rather than hit the unsubscribe line in your email. You can expect to get a few complaints but if you aren?t truly spamming and follow guidelines, your autoresponder service should believe you. That is the reason why it is recommended to only work with a reliable provider.

However, if you want the autoresponder service to back you up, you are going to need proof that you obeyed with their guidelines which usually includes only putting opt-in emails on your mailing list, including your contact info in each email, and always adding an unsubscribe link. There are manyrules you want to know in order to conduct your internet marketing business in the proper way to cover yourself and your business whether you run a mailing listor not.

The best advice is to slowly build your mailing list surely, so it will be filled with subscribers who really want to be on it. Operating a large mailing list sounds appealing but if your emails don?t get opened, it won?t do you a lot of good. Instead of worrying about the size of your mailing list, you should focus on making it as responsive as possible. You may find some internet marketing gurus who say to get rid of the nonproductive readers from your list because readers who are able to spend money are a lot more valuable to you even though you might not have as many of them.

Simply click here to discover how to generate leads for FREE and utilize other individuals to get these free leads for you. These list building tips and techniques can help you generate 3 x more leads compared to doing the work on your own!

Source: http://www.seositemanager.com/749489/email-list-generating-strategies-ways-to-generate-an-online-list-very-easily.html

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Home Improvement Tips That Can Help You ? Free Article Directory

Some home improvement projects are necessary to create additional living space or change the use or current living space. Maybe a new baby is on the way and you want to add a nursery or you want to turn the the family room that you don?t use into a bigger kitchen.

Even though your kitchen floor looks level to the naked eye, be sure to use a level when installing kitchen cabinets. Start from the highest point on your kitchen floor and set a benchmark line across the length of the wall that the cabinets will be installed to be sure that your counters will be level once installed.

When looking for wise home improvement projects to undertake, consider adding a dedicated space for computer networking equipment. The electronic needs of the modern home are always growing. A clean, dry, well air-conditioned space, with easy access to electrical power and network wiring, will give current and future owners, a convenient hub for electronics wired throughout the house.

For someone working on a limited budget, there are ways to give your living space a brand new look. It?s simply a case of working with what you have. Move your existing furniture around, maybe using different pieces in different rooms. Replace any photos with updated ones. Spend a little money on a new shade for an existing lamp. It?s the small touches that make the difference.

Hire a professional designer or architect if you are not one yourself. A lot of homeowners try to cut corners by using a ?friend? or drawing up plans themselves, but experts have already done the work and know environmental and zoning restrictions. Oops ? now that the putting green?s done, you didn?t realize it needed a permit? Improving your home is a big, sometimes costly endeavor. Don?t make the mistake of cutting corners.

If the purpose of your home improvement project is to help sell the house, you should keep in mind that simple cosmetic changes are often more effective than installing new complex systems. For example, while a floor heating system might be a very cool feature, a simple paint job is more effective. A paint job makes the house look fresh and attractive to all potential buyers, whereas a floor heating system is just a neat add-on and not a selling point.

When tackling a home improvement venture on your own, you need to have a reliable place that you go to get advice. If you find random information on the internet from some John Doe, you could be headed towards disaster! Large scale home improvement stores are never a bad place to start.

Displaying buttons on a spice rack can be a great way to give your home a cottage style feel, as well as, making a focal point in your living room. Buy some small old fashioned apothecary jars and fill them with buttons assorted by color. Arrange them in a pleasing manner on your spice rack and you have yourself, a great focal point.

To remove nicks or scratches from kitchen cabinets, recondition the wood with oil, and then install new handles or knobs. Another option is to replace just the doors or door fronts. This is a little work but far cheaper than completely re-facing your cabinets, and your kitchen will get a brand new look.

If you need a drastic change to the outside of your home, simple landscaping can work wonders. You will see that implementing a garden or two around the home, pruning bushes and trees, and cleaning the yard really creates a great look around the home that doesn?t even take much to do.

If you are improving your home to increase its sale value, focus on the important portions first. Trying to renovate the whole home will become overly expensive and provide a diminishing return on investment. Items such as exterior siding, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and kitchen appliances, however, will be universally appealing as you try to sell the home.

Your head may be spinning from all the advice and expertise you have just read. But take these tasks one at a time. Step by step, you can transform the problems and shortcomings of your home, into reasons for pride. Yes, you fixed those things. Better yet, when the tasks are finished, you can sit back in your favorite chair with a feeling of pride.

To find the top roofing contractors springfield mo you?ll want to take your time and choose the best provider for you.

Source: http://languagebanners.com/home-improvement-tips-that-can-help-you/

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Earth Is Farthest From the Sun This Week

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/earth-farthest-sun-week-115317242.html

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Iraq attacks kill three: officials

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/iraq-attacks-kill-three-officials-170209676.html

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Production R8 e-tron sets lap record at N?rburgring, Audi gains more EV bragging rights

Suffice it to say, Audi's been garnering loads of press these past weeks for its e-tron vehicles. Hot on the heels of its recent, R18 e-tron-led victory at the 24-hour Le Mans, the automaker has set a world-record for production EVs at Germany's Nürburgring. Using an all-electric R8 production model, driver Markus Winkelhock zipped around the 12.92-mile course with a lap time of 8:09.099. For comparison's sake, the fastest lap by a gasoline-powered production car of about seven minutes and 57 seconds is currently held by the Gumpert Apollo Sport -- which just-so-happens to use an 700 hp (515 kW) Audi V8 motor. According to Audi, the R8 used is essentially identical to what will be released to the public later this year, featuring two electric motors that pump out 280kW of power and 820Nm of torque. That said, Autoblog notes that its limiter was set to 250 mph -- when you can buy one it'll be set to top out at 200 mph. Hit up the press release after the break for all the details.

Continue reading Production R8 e-tron sets lap record at N?rburgring, Audi gains more EV bragging rights

Production R8 e-tron sets lap record at N?rburgring, Audi gains more EV bragging rights originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 13:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/01/Audi-r8-e-tron-ev-lap-record-nurburgring/

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Perkins back on the sidelines at Mississippi JUCO

FILE -In this Sept.13,1987 file photo, Former Alabama coach Ray Perkins, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, talks with quarterback Steve DeBerg on the sidelines during an NFL regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons in Tampa, Fla. Perkins led the New York Giants from 1979 to 1982, the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1983 to ?86 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1987 to 1990. Perkins coaches football at tiny Jones County Junior College, in Mississippi. (AP photo/Kathy Willens, File)

FILE -In this Sept.13,1987 file photo, Former Alabama coach Ray Perkins, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, talks with quarterback Steve DeBerg on the sidelines during an NFL regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons in Tampa, Fla. Perkins led the New York Giants from 1979 to 1982, the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1983 to ?86 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1987 to 1990. Perkins coaches football at tiny Jones County Junior College, in Mississippi. (AP photo/Kathy Willens, File)

FILE -In this Saturday, Dec. 19, 1981 file photo, New York Giants kicker Joe Danelo is carried from the Giants stadium field by coach Ray Perkins and teammates Ed McGlasson (59) and Harry Carson in East Rutherford, N.J., after the team beat the Dallas Cowboys in overtime with a field goal. Perkins led the New York Giants from 1979 to 1982, the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1983 to ?86 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1987 to 1990. Perkins coaches football at tiny Jones County Junior College, in Mississippi. (AP Photo/Mike Derer, File)

FILE -In this Friday, Jan. 9, 1987 file photo, Miami University quarterback Vinny Testaverde, right, and Alabama University coach Ray Perkins pose for a photo at Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan, a popular sightseeing resort 120 kilometers (75 miles) northwest of Tokyo., before the Japan Bowl. Perkins led the New York Giants from 1979 to 1982, the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1983 to ?86 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1987 to 1990. Perkins coaches football at tiny Jones County Junior College, in Mississippi. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, File)

FILE -In this Dec. 30, 1966 file photo, Alabama's All America end Ray Perkins signs autographs for a group of New Orleans youth during Alabama's photo session in the New Orleans Sugar Bowl. Perkins led the New York Giants from 1979 to 1982, the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1983 to ?86 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1987 to 1990. Perkins coaches football at tiny Jones County Junior College, in Mississippi. (AP Photo, File)

ELLISVILLE, Miss. (AP) ? Ray Perkins leans back in his chair, enthusiastically talking football in his Mississippi office at tiny Jones County Junior College.

A pair of palm trees stands in the heat outside ? a dead giveaway that this is a long way from Giants Stadium and the bright lights of the NFL. But for the 70-year-old Perkins, it's football paradise.

"It fits like a glove," Perkins said. "This is what I'm supposed to be doing."

That may surprise some people.

Perkins led the New York Giants from 1979 to 1982, the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1983 to '86 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1987 to 1990. He's also known for developing assistants who went onto distinguished NFL careers ? including Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick and Romeo Crennel.

But it's been 20 years since he was a head coach ? and more than 10 years since he was a full-time coach of any kind.

And now he has resurfaced in this junior college in a town of about 4,500 people in the southeastern corner of Mississippi. The facilities are decent ? but more on the level of a solid high school program than anything he was used to during his days in the NFL and Southeastern Conference.

Crennel understands the reasons his former boss is in Ellisville.

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs said he was initially surprised Perkins would get back into coaching, but that in a lot of ways the move made sense.

"Once that coaching gets in your blood it's hard to get it out," Crennel said. "Sounds like to me he's happy and he's excited, so I'm certainly excited for him."

Crennel said Perkins has never been afraid to take a chance or pull an unorthodox move, and that's a big reason for his success. His first meeting with Perkins came at a restaurant in Hattiesburg, Miss., in 1980, after the two were introduced by mutual friends in the coaching profession.

"We talked about football, but we also talked about life," Crennel said. "At the end of the meeting, he told me he didn't have a job, but was impressed and would keep me in mind for the future. A year later, he hired me with the Giants. He wasn't afraid to go with a hunch or a good feeling."

At this stage of his coaching career, Perkins said the perceived status of a job isn't important. And he immediately had a good feeling about the work environment at Jones County.

"It gives me an opportunity to have a little meaning, to hopefully teach something to these young people and also learn some things from them as well," Perkins said. "These are two or three of the most important years in their life. The passion I've had for football has never wavered, so I really jumped at this chance."

Perkins lives in Hattiesburg, which is about a 30-minute drive from Ellisville. He's been in a semi-retired state for the past decade, dividing his time between football fundraisers, a small commercial real estate business and a healthy dose of golf. He's also got two daughters ? ages 14 and 8 ? who taught him at least one important part of the new college football landscape: Text messaging.

"That's all those girls do ? especially the 14-year-old," Perkins said with a grin as he held up his smartphone. "And that's all my players do. So it's been good practice."

Jones County President Jesse Smith said he met Perkins at a golf tournament a few years ago, and when the school's football job became open, he was pleasantly surprised to find the coach's resume on his desk. But there were still some reservations.

"Our main question was 'Why in the world, having the career you've had, would you come to a humble place like this?" Smith said. "But coach Perkins was very convincing. Things began to line up and his personality really fits into this culture. He doesn't meet a stranger. He has a great ability to make people feel special, and he's not in here big-timing anybody. He's probably the most secure person I've met ? he's not an ego guy in any way."

Smith said Perkins' arrival has been a boost for the athletic program, with alumni becoming more involved and ticket sales increasing. Perkins will make about $100,000 this season, and his contract can be renewed on a yearly basis. Though the job is certainly time consuming, it's not necessarily all-encompassing like his time in the NFL and SEC. He still occasionally drives his daughters to school before coming to work and can even squeeze a round or two of golf into his schedule.

"Definitely a little more life balance," Perkins said.

Perkins said his past has rarely come up during meetings with players or during practice. He figures if they're that interested, the information is only a few clicks away.

"They know how to use Google," Perkins said.

Jones County quarterback Ben Stevens admitted he didn't have much of an idea who Perkins was when he was hired. But his dad and uncle filled him in quickly.

"I've heard he used to be a screamer, but I think he's mellowed a little," Stevens said. "He'll get in your face and let you know when you're doing something wrong. But he's got a good balance and obviously a ton of insight into the game. We're fortunate to be able to learn from him. It's hard to believe he's 70 years old."

Perkins' age is often a topic of conversation considering 70-year-olds are usually collecting retirement, not starting a new career phase. He was coy about how long he plans to keep the job, though it's obvious he doesn't consider this a short-term gig.

"How about 20 years? Does that sound good?" Perkins said. "I don't have a certain time frame. I really don't. As long as we can be successful in guiding young people and win a few football games along the way, there's no reason to stop."

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Follow David Brandt on Twitter: (at)davidbrandtAP

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Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-07-02-Perkins-Back%20in%20the%20Game/id-7dc4338df8624130a09f5a7e2f5226c5

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Sheldon Adelson And Family

Sheldon Adelson, the Las Vegas casino magnate, and his family have combined to give $21.5 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. The majority of that has gone to Winning Our Future, the super PAC supporting Newt Gingrich. Adelson is ranked on the <em>Forbes</em> list of the richest Americans at number eight, with $21.5 billion in net worth. Sheldon Adelson gave $7.5 million to Winning Our Future and his wife, Miriam, gave $7.5 million. His daughters Sivan Ochshorn and Shelley Maye Adelson each chipped in $500,000. Another daughter and her husband each gave $250,000. Adelson and his wife also gave $2.5 million each to the Congressional Leadership Fund. In May, Winning Our Future returned a $5 million contribution to Miriam Adelson. That dropped the total amount the family has contributed from $26.5 million to $21.5 million. That number is expected to increase by at least $10 million in June as Adelson has reportedly donated that sum to the pro-Mitt Romney Restore Our Future. Adelson remained in the number one spot among super PAC donors after counting contributions for May 2012. His involvement in politics revolves around his support for the state of Israel, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/11/sheldon-adelson-newt-gingrich-israel_n_1195867.html" target="_hplink">in particular the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>. His business, along with that of other super PAC donors, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/18/sheldon-adelson-bribery-super-pac-donors-fcpa_n_1602694.html" target="_hplink">is also under investigation</a> for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

Harold And Annette Simmons

Harold Simmons, the octogenarian Dallas businessman, combined with his wife Annette and his company, Contran Corp., to donate $18.7 million to super PACs through May 2012. Simmons is listed in <em>Forbes</em> magazine as the 33rd richest person in America with a net worth of $9.3 billion. Simmons and Contran donated $13 million to American Crossroads, $1 million to Make Us Great Again (supporting Rick Perry), $1.1 million to Winning Our Future (supporting Newt Gingrich), $800,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) and $100,000 to Restoring Prosperity Fund (formerly Americans for Rick Perry). Annette Simmons gave $1.2 million to Red White And Blue Fund (supporting Rick Santorum). Simmons has also given $500,000 to Conservative Renewal PAC and Texas Conservatives Fund, both super PACs supporting Senate candidate David Dewhurst. Simmons -- who explained that he is contributing money to super PACs to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/22/harold-simmons-obama_n_1371642.html">stop "that socialist," President Barack Obama</a> -- remains in second place among super PAC donors.

Bob Perry

Texas homebuilder Bob Perry contributed $6.8 million to super PACs through May 2012. Perry is one of the most prolific donors in contemporary political history. He was a major backer of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the outside group that helped torpedo John Kerry's presidential campaign in 2004. Perry's net worth has been estimated at around $650 million. Perry has given $4 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $2.5 million to American Crossroads, $200,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund (supporting David Dewhurst), and $100,000 to Make Us Great Again (supporting Rick Perry, who is no relation).

National Education Association

The National Education Association, the largest U.S. labor union representing teachers, contributed $3.83 million to super PACs through May 2012. The union gave $3.58 million to its own super PAC, the NEA Advocacy Fund, $250,000 to DGA Action, and $5,000 to the Patriot Majority PAC.

Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel, the hedge fund manager, venture capitalist and early Facebook investor, contributed $3.74 million through May 2012 to super PACs. Thiel, a radical libertarian, ranks 293 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.5 billion. The majority of Thiel's money, $2.74 million, has gone to Endorse Liberty, a super PAC supporting Ron Paul in the Republican presidential race. He also gave $1 million to Club for Growth Action in May.

Jerry Perenchio

Jerry Perenchio, founder of the Spanish language television network Univision, contributed $2.6 million to super PACs through April. Perenchio ranks 171 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $2.3 billion. Perenchio gave $2 million to American Crossroads, $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), and $100,000 to Our Destiny (supporting Jon Huntsman).

Joseph Craft And Alliance Management Holdings

Joseph Craft and his holding company, Alliance Management Holdings, gave $2.6 million to super PACs through May 2012. Craft is ranked 331 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.3 billion. Alliance Management Holdings owns the coal company Alliance Resource Partners. Craft and his company gave $2.1 million to American Crossroads, including $1.675 million in May, and $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

Cooperative Of American Physicians

The <a href="http://www.capphysicians.com/about_us" target="_hplink">Cooperative of American Physicians</a> is a medical malpractice and medical liability insurer. The group has contributed $2,58. million to its own super PAC. No other information has been provided on the source of the funds contributed by the cooperative.

AFL-CIO

The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest federation of unions, contributed $2.3 million to super PACs through May 2012. The federation, boasting 12.2 million members, is made up of 57 national and international labor unions. Its funds come from the dues paid by members. The AFL-CIO gave $2.2 million to its own super PAC, and that super PAC gave $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century.

Foster Friess

Foster Friess, the Wyoming investor, contributed $2.25 million to super PACs, mostly to those supporting the presidential candidacy of Rick Santorum. Friess is estimated to be worth above $500 million. He has given $2.1 million to Red White and Blue Fund (supporting Santorum), $100,000 to FreedomWorks and $50,000 to Leaders for Families (also supporting Santorum).

William Dore

William Dore, the Louisiana energy executive, gave $2.25 million to Red White and Blue Fund (supporting Santorum). This was the biggest foray into political giving by Dore, who has previously cut large checks for Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and the Republican Governors Association. He is estimated to be worth in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Credit: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_KzFkneorU" target="_hplink">YouTube</a>

Jon Huntsman Sr.

Jon Huntsman Sr., the billionaire Utah industrialist, contributed $2.22 million to a super PAC supporting the presidential candidacy of his son, Jon Huntsman Jr. Huntsman Sr. has given away much of his fortune in recent years and is estimated to be worth slightly north of $1 billion. Huntsman's contributions to Our Destiny, the super PAC backing his son in the Republican primary contest, came under scrutiny based on the laws banning coordination between super PACs and campaigns.

Jeffrey Katzenberg

Jeffrey Katzenberg, the CEO of DreamWorks Animation, has given gave $2.125 million to super PACs through May 2012. Katzenberg's net worth is estimated to be above $800 million. His biggest contribution was a $2 million gift to Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting Barack Obama's reelection bid. Katzenberg has also given $100,000 to Majority PAC and $25,000 to Committee to Elect An Effective Valley Congressman, the super PAC supporting Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), a staunch ally of Hollywood. Katzenberg is also a major fundraiser for the Obama reelection campaign, having brought in more than $500,000.

Robert Rowling And TRT Holdings

Robert Rowling, the Texas billionaire who runs the business holding company TRT Holdings, has contributed $2.1 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. Rowling ranks 66 on <em>Forbes'</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $4.7 billion. He gave $2 million to American Crossroads and $100,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

Kenneth And Anne Griffin

Kenneth Griffin, the head of the massive hedge fund Citadel, has contributed $2.08 million to super PACs through May 2012. Griffin is ranked 173rd on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans. In 2008, he helped raise money for then-Sen. Barack Obama during the Democratic primary, but switched to support Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the general election. Griffin has since become increasingly critical of President Obama and what he considers to be class warfare rhetoric coming from the White House. He stated that the wealthy have "<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/11/ken-griffin-mitt-romney_n_1337721.html" target="_hplink">insufficient influence</a>" in politics and urged the rich to donate to political efforts to preserve their position atop the food chain. Griffin has given $1.05 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) and $1 million to American Crossroads. His wife, Anne, gave $30,000 to the Campaign for Primary Accountability.

Crow Holdings LLC And Harlan Crow

Crow Holdings LLC, which manages the wealth of the late real estate developer Trammel Crow, and its director Harlan Crow contributed $2.05 million to super PACs through May 2012. Harlan Crow and the company combined to give $1.5 million to American Crossroads, $300,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) and $250,000 to FreedomWorks for America.

Amy Goldman

Amy Goldman, the author and activist who has been called "perhaps the world's premier vegetable gardener," contributed $2 million to super PACs through the end of May. Goldman is the heiress to the fortune of New York real estate titan Sol Goldman. Goldman gave $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama) and $1 million to Planned Parenthood Votes, the super PAC for the family planning services provider.

William Koch, Oxbow Carbon And Huron Carbon

William Koch, the lesser-known Koch brother, and two of his companies, petroleum, energy and minerals companies Oxbow Carbon and Huron Carbon, gave $2 million to Restore Our Future (backing Romney).

FreedomWorks

FreedomWorks, the conservative nonprofit organization, contributed $1.88 million to its super PAC, FreedomWorks for America. The group is run by former Rep. Dick Armey and was instrumental in organizing the original Tea Party protests in 2009. The super PAC has been active in Republican Senate primaries backing Richard Mourdock's successful campaign to beat Sen. Dick Lugar in Indiana. The group has also thrown its weight behind Ted Cruz in Texas and Don Stenberg in Nebraska. Stenberg lost his primary to state Sen. Deb Fischer and Cruz faces a run-off election against Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. The group is also spending money to defeat Sen. Orrin Hatch in Utah.

American Federation Of Teachers

The American Federation of Teachers, the second-largest union in the nation with 1.5 million members, gave $1.85 million to super PACs through May 2012. After nearly doubled its giving in March with $600,000 in contributions to super PACs the super PAC gave another $300,000 in April and added another $250,000 in May. The union donated $1 million to the AFL-CIO Workers' Voices PAC, $300,000 to House Majority PAC, $300,000 to Majority PAC, and $250,000 to DGA Action.

National Association of Realtors

The National Association of Realtors, the primary trade association for realtors, has contributed $1.81 million to its own super PAC in the 2012 election cycle. The group has long been a player in congressional elections and has already spent significant amounts to help Rep. Gary Miller (R-Calif.) hold his newly redistricted seat in the 2012 elections.

Service Employees International Union

The Service Employees International Union, the nation's fastest growing labor union representing close to 2 million people, contributed $1.76 million to super PACs through May. The union is one of the most politically active unions in the country. SEIU has given $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $311,000 to House Majority PAC, $250,000 to Majority PAC, and $200,000 to American Bridge 21st Century.

James Simons

James Simons, the billionaire chairman of the hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, gave $1.5 million to Majority PAC, a super PAC that backs Democratic Senate candidates, through May 2012. Simons is ranked 30 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $10.5 billion.

Steve & Amber Mostyn

Steve and Amber Mostyn have contributed $1.625 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. Steve, a multi-millionaire trial lawyer in Houston, Texas, and the president of the Texas Trial Lawyer Association, is a long-time donor to Democratic Party causes in both Texas and nationally. The couple boosted their giving in May by giving $1.5 million to two Democratic super PACs. The Mostyns gave $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $500,000 to House Majority PAC, and $125,000 to Texans for America's Future, a super PAC that opposed Texas Gov. Rick Perry's presidential bid.

Robert And Rebekah Mercer

Robert Mercer (left), the co-CEO of the $15 billion hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, and his daughter, Rebekah Mercer, gave $1.415 million to super PACs through May 2012. Robert Mercer contributed $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) and $350,000 to Club for Growth. Rebekah Mercer gave $50,000 to the Coalition for American Values and $15,000 to the Club for Growth.

American Federation Of State, County And Municipal Employees

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the nation's largest public employee union with 1.6 million members, contributed $1.415 million to super PACs through May 2012. AFSCME is very politically active in local and national politics. In 2011, it faced direct attacks in such states as Ohio and Wisconsin, when Republican governors sought to curtail collective bargaining rights for public employees. AFSCME gave $500,000 to the AFL-CIO Workers' Voices PAC, $575,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, $315,000 to House Majority PAC and $25,000 to Women Vote!.

Philip Geier

Philip Geier, the former advertising magnate turned communications and venture capital adviser, contributed $1.35 million to super PACs through May 2012. Geier previously served as CEO of the Interpublic Group of Companies, a large advertising holding company. He currently helms the Geier Group, which provides consulting services on communications, advertising and venture capital. Geier gave $1,000,000 to American Crossroads and $350,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

Fred Eychaner

Fred Eychaner, the Chicago-based media mogul who made his fortune with Newsweb Corp., gave $1.3 million to super PACs through May 2012. He is a longtime funder of outside groups backing Democrats, having contributed $2 million to so-called 527 groups in the effort to defeat President George W. Bush in 2004. Eychaner gave $500,000 to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $350,000 to Majority PAC, $250,000 to House Majority PAC and $200,000 to America Votes Action Fund.

Leo Linbeck

Leo Linbeck, the Houston construction mogul, has given $1.26 million to the Campaign for Primary Accountability, a super PAC opposing both incumbent Democrats and Republicans facing primary challenges.

Julian Robertson

Julian Robertson, the hedge fund titan and founder of Tiger Management, contributed $1.25 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) in the current election cycle. Robertson is ranked 166 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $2.4 billion.

Dealer Computer Services, CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties, & Waterbury Properties (Bob Brockman)

Four companies -- Dealer Computer Services, CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties and Waterbury Properties -- sharing the same address as The Reynolds & Reynolds Company headed by Bob Brockman, have given $1.25 million to super PACs through May 2012. CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties and Waterbury Properties combined to give $1 million to Restore Our Future. Dealer Computer Services has given $200,000 to the pro-David Dewhurst Texas Conservatives Fund and $50,000 to Restoring Prosperity Fund.

Communications Workers Of America

The Communications Workers of America, the largest telecommunications union in the world with a membership above 700,000, contributed $1,162,971 to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. The union donated $902,971 to the Communications Workers of America super PAC, $190,000 to Independent Source, $50,000 to House Majority PAC and $20,000 to American Worker.

National Air Traffic Controllers Association

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has given $1.1 million to super PACs during the 2012 election cycle. The union represents 20,000 controllers, engineers and other professionals involved in air traffic control. The union gave $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama) and $100,000 to the AFL-CIO Workers' Voices PAC.

Frank VanderSloot & Melaleuca Inc.

Frank VanderSloot and his multi-level marketing company, Melaleuca Inc., have contributed $1.1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). VanderSloot is a member of the Romney campaign's financial team and has a checkered history of bullying reporters and newspapers for writing about his business, which has been labeled a pyramid scheme by some, and his political activities. The 2004 <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans estimated VanderSloot's net worth to be $700 million.

Barbara Stiefel

Barbara Stiefel, a Florida-based philanthropist and Democratic Party donor, has given $1.05 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama) through May 2012. (Pictured: Barack Obama, the candidate supported by Stiefel's contributions.)

Miguel Fernandez And MBF Family Investments

Miguel Fernandez, chairman of the private equity firm MBF Healthcare Partners, and MBF Family Investments, a company connected to Fernandez, contributed $1,025,000 to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle so far. Fernandez and MBF Family Investments gave $1,000,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), and Fernandez himself gave $25,000 to the Campaign for Primary Accountability.

Dean White And Whiteco Industries

Dean White, an Indiana billionaire, and his company Whiteco Industries contributed $1.025 million to super PACs through May 2012. White is ranked 281 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.7 billion. His company is active in the billboard and hotel industries. Whiteco Industries gave $1 million to the Republican-leaning group American Crossroads, and White gave $25,000 to the Campaign for Primary Accountability.

J. Joseph Ricketts

J. Joseph Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade and head of the family that owns the Chicago Cubs, has given $1.01 million to super PACs through May 2012. Ricketts ranked 371 on <em>Forbes'</em> list of richest Americans in 2009, with a net worth of $1 billion. He has donated $510,000 to his own super PAC, Ending Spending Action Fund, which spent all of that money to help Nebraska state Sen. Deb Fischer win the Republican Senate primary in the state. Ricketts has also given $500,000 the Campaign for Primary Accountability, a super PAC supporting challengers to incumbent Democrats and Republicans in contested congressional primary elections. Ricketts <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/17/joe-ricketts-jeremiah-wright-super-pac-ad_n_1525658.html" target="_hplink">became the focus of controversy</a> in May 2012 after the New York Times revealed that he was considering a proposal to fund, through a super PAC, advertisements attacking President Barack Obama with his relationship with his former pastor, the controversial Jeremiah Wright. After the publicity Ricketts and the consultants involved all stated that they were not going forward with the plan.

Ed Conard

Ed Conard, a former managing director of the private equity firm Bain Capital, gave $1 million to Restore Our Future, the super PAC supporting Mitt Romney, also formerly of Bain Capital. Conard's donation originally came in the form of a corporate contribution from a shell company named W Spann LLC. The company was created in 2011 solely to give the $1 million donation and then promptly folded. This led to a media goose chase for the source of the donation. Eventually, Conard unmasked himself and asked that the contribution be reattributed to his name. Conard has also made news for publishing a book that argues in favor of income inequality.

Eli Publishing Inc.

Eli Publishing Inc., a Provo, Utah-based shell company connected to executives Blake Roney and Steven Lund of the multi-level marketing company Nu Skin, contributed $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). Neither Roney nor Lund have taken credit for the contribution from Eli Publishing. Both men are highly active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two executives donated 403,000 shares of Nu Skin stock to the church in 2010, which the church then sold for $10.3 million.

F8 LLC

F8 LLC, another Provo, Utah-based shell company connected to executives Blake Roney and Steven Lund of the multi-level marketing company Nu Skin, contributed $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). Neither Roney nor Lund has taken credit for the contribution from F8 LLC. Both men are highly active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two executives donated 403,000 shares of Nu Skin stock to the church in 2010, which the church then sold for $10.3 million.

John Paulson

John Paulson, one of the wealthiest hedge fund chiefs, contributed $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). He is ranked 17 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $15.5 billion. Paulson notoriously made billions by betting against the U.S. housing market during the lead-up to the economic collapse of 2008.

Paul And Sandra Edgerly

Paul Edgerly, a former managing director of Bain Capital, and his wife, Sandra, combined to give $1 million to Restore Our Future, the super PAC backing Mitt Romney, also formerly of Bain Capital.

Paul Singer

Paul Singer (far right), the hedge fund titan in charge of Elliot Associates, contributed $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). Singer has an estimated worth of $900 million.

Rooney Holdings

Rooney Holdings, the company formerly run by L. Francis Rooney, contributed $1 million to Restore Our Future (backing Romney). Rooney is a former ambassador to the Vatican and a past major donor to the campaigns of President George W. Bush. The company is involved in many large-scale construction projects, including the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

Virginia James

Virginia James, an investor based in New Jersey, has donated $1 million to the Club for Growth super PAC through March 2012. James is not a well-known donor, but has given large sums to Club for Growth in the past and was invited to the Koch brothers' donor retreat in 2011.

Bill Maher

Bill Maher, the comedian who hosts HBO's "Real Time With Bill Maher," contributed $1 million to Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting President Obama. Maher <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/24/bill-maher-super-pac-obama-_n_1299250.html" target="_hplink">gave the million dollars</a> after the Obama campaign officially endorsed the super PAC's efforts.

Irving Moskowitz

Irving Moskowitz, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/12/irving-moskowitz-israeli-settlements-anti-obama-super-pac_n_1416041.html">the bingo tycoon and funder of Israeli settlements in the West Bank</a>, gave $1 million to American Crossroads. This is the largest contribution to a political committee that Moskowitz has ever made.

J.W. Marriott

J.W. "Bill" Marriott, the head of Marriott International, gave $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). Mitt Romney and the Marriotts are very close, with Romney having served on the board of the worldwide hotel chain. Both Romney and Bill Marriott are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Marriott ranks 331 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.3 billion.

Richard Marriott

Richard Marriott, chairman of the board of Marriott International, gave $1 million to Restore Our Future (backing Romney). Mitt Romney and the Marriotts are very close, with Romney having served on the board of the worldwide hotel chain. Both Romney and Richard Marriott are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Marriott ranks 312 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.4 billion.

Kareem Ahmed

Kareem Ahmed, the CEO of medical billing company Landmark Medical Management, has given $1 million to Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting President Obama, through May 2012. (Pictured: President Obama, the candidate supported by Ahmed's contributions.)

James Davis

James Davis, the CEO of New Balance Shoes, has given $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). Davis ranks 242 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.8 billion.

Steven Webster

Steven Webster, the CEO of the private equity firm Avista Partners, has given $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) during the 2012 election cycle.

Unite Here

Unite Here, a diverse labor union representing workers in the airport, food service, gaming, hotel, textile and laundry industries, contributed $1 million to the AFL-CIO Workers' Voices PAC through May 2012.

National Association Of Letter Carriers

The National Association of Letter Carriers' political action committee, the Committee on Letter Carriers Political Education Fund, gave $1 million to super PACs during the 2012 election cycle. The union gave $500,000 to the AFL-CIO super PAC, Workers' Voice, and $500,000 to House Majority PAC.

John Kleinheinz

John Kleinheinz, a Texas-based hedge fund manager, contributed $1 million to Restore Our Future, the super PAC supporting Romney's presidential campaign, in April 2012. (Pictured: Mitt Romney, the candidate supported by Kleinheinz's contribution.)

Franklin Haney

Real estate magnate Franklin Haney contributed $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama) in May 2012. Haney is a longtime Democratic Party donor with close ties to Bill Clinton and Al Gore. He was previously indicted and ultimately found not guilty on 42 campaign finance violations. Haney has also run two unsuccessful political campaigns, one for Congress and another for governor of Tennessee. (Pictured: The website of Haney's real estate company FLH Company, Inc.)

Harold Hamm

Harold Hamm, CEO of the oil company Continental Resources, gave $985,000 to Restore Our Future, the pro-Mitt Romney super PAC, in April 2012. Hamm is listed as the 36th richest American by <em>Forbes</em> with an estimated net worth of $7.5 billion. He also works as an energy advisor for Romney's campaign.

Kenny Troutt

Kenny Troutt, the telecommunications billionaire, contributed $900,000 to super PACs through May 2012. Troutt was the head of Excel Communications, a multi-level marketing company, until he sold it for $3.5 billion in 1998. He now focuses on racing horses. Troutt gave $500,000 to American Crossroads, $150,000 to Red White And Blue Fund (supporting Rick Santorum), $150,000 to Make Us Great Again (supporting Rick Perry), $50,000 to Americans for Rick Perry, and $50,000 to the Texas Conservatives Fund (supporting David Dewhurst).

The Morses & The Villages

H. Gary Morse, his wife, their children and the retirement community they operate, The Villages, have combined to contribute $865,900 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) in the 2012 election cycle. H. Gary Morse is part of Romney's Florida finance team and has hosted fundraisers for the former Massachusetts governor. The family's super PAC giving has all gone to support Romney's bid.

Anne Earhart

Anne Catherine Getty Earhart, the granddaughter of the oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, has given $850,000 to super PACs through May 2012. Earhart received $400 million when Texaco purchased Getty Oil in 1986. She is active in environmental issues. Earhart gave $600,000 to American Bridge 21st Century and $250,000 to Priorities USA Action (supporting President Obama). (Pictured: President Obama, the candidate Earhart's contributions support.)

DRIVE PAC

The Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education PAC gave $810,000 to super PACs through May 2012. DRIVE is the chief political finance committee of the Teamsters union, which has 1.4 million members. DRIVE donated $400,000 to America Votes Action Fund, $210,000 to House Majority PAC and $200,000 to Majority PAC.

Jerry And Marilyn Hayden

Jerry and Marilyn Hayden combined to contribute $810,000 to super PACs through the end of May 2012. The couple has given $700,000 to Club for Growth Action and $110,000 to FreedomWorks for America. (Pictured: The logo of the Club for Growth, the group receiving the largest super PAC contributions made by the Haydens.)

Robert Arnott

Robert Arnott, the investment manager in charge of Research Affiliates, gave $750,000 to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle so far. Arnott gave $500,000 to Club for Growth and $250,000 to Our Destiny (supporting Huntsman).

Chris Shumway

Chris Shumway, the former hedge fund manager, gave $750,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). Shumway is a former employee of the massive hedge fund Tiger Management and retired from his own hedge fund, Shumway Capital Partners, in 2011. (Pictured: Mitt Romney, the candidate Shumway supports through his super PAC giving.)

Rocco Ortenzio

Rocco Ortenzio, a western Pennsylvania health care company founder and executive, has contributed $750,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) through May 2012. (Pictured: Rocco Ortenzio is in the middle at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Philadelphia Eagles.)

Warren Stephens & Stephens Investment Holdings

Warren Stephens, the head of Stephens, Inc., has contributed $750,000 to super PACs through May 2012. Stephens is tied for the position of 130th richest American, according to Forbes. Stephens has given $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) and $250,000 to American Crossroads. (Pictured: Stephens, right, with President George W. Bush.)

Donald Sussman

Donald Sussman, the billionaire hedge fund manager and husband of Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), has given $750,000 to super PACs through May 2012. Sussman is the founder of investment firm Paloma Partners. Sussman has given $650,000 to House Majority PAC and $100,000 to Young Democrats of America.

Jackson Stephens

Jackson Stephens and the company Stephens Investments Holdings contributed $725,000 to super PACs through May 2012. Stephens is the son of the late Arkansas investor Jackson Stephens Sr., who was known as Mr. Republican of Arkansas during the 1980s and 1990s. Jackson Stephens Jr. sits on the board of the conservative Club for Growth. Stephens gave $725,000 to the Club for Growth's super PAC. (Pictured: The logo of Club for Growth, the prime recipient of Stephens' donations.) Note: Previously, a contribution from Stephens Investment Holdings was counted toward Stephens' total super PAC giving, but has now been attributed to his cousin Warren Stephens.

Bernard Schwartz

Bernard Schwartz, the millionaire industrialist and Democratic Party funder, gave $715,000 to super PACs through May 2012. Schwartz has funded dozens of Democratic Party initiaties and progressive and centrist organizations through the years, including the New America Foundation, the Progressive Policy Institute and Third Way. Schwartz gave $300,000 to Majority PAC, $210,000 to Economic Innovation Fund, $100,000 to House Majority PAC and $100,000 to Priorities USA Action (supporting President Obama).

Jim DeMint

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), the conservative firebrand, contributed $700,000 from his campaign committee to the super PAC started by the Club for Growth. DeMint's initial contributions of $500,00 was the first large contribution by an elected official to a super PAC since the groups came into existence in the summer of 2010. The Club for Growth spends much of its money helping conservative Republican candidates win primary elections against other Republicans. DeMint's PAC, Senate Conservatives Fund, also spends large sums in Republican primary elections.

Republican Governors Association

The Republican Governors Association, a 527 political committee currently headed by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, gave $680,000 to the super PAC RGA Ohio PAC.

Laborers' International Union

The Laborers' International Union, which represents a half-million construction workers, gave $605,000 to House Majority PAC through April 2012.

Geoff Palmer & G.H. Palmer Associates

Geoff Palmer and his California-based real estate company G.H. Palmer Associates contributed $600,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) through March 2012. (Pictured: Mitt Romney, the candidate supported by Palmer's contributions.)

Perennial Strategy Group

Perennial Strategy Group, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting and lobbying firm headed by Lamell McMorris, has contributed $600,000 to Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting President Barack Obama's reelection campaign.

Friends Of Herman Cain

Herman Cain's presidential campaign committee transferred $596,400 to a super PAC, Cain Connections, set up after he dropped out of the Republican primary race.

Nancy And Reinier Beeuwkes

Longtime Democratic Party donors Nancy and Reinier Beeuwkes gave $575,000 to super PACs through May 2012. Nancy Beeuwkes gave $250,000 to Women Vote!, $200,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, $100,000 to Priorities USA Action (supporting President Obama) and $25,000 to House Majority PAC. Reinier Beeuwkes gave $100,000 to Priorities USA Action. (Pictured: President Obama, the candidate supported by the Beeuwkes' contributions.)

John Templeton

John Templeton, a former doctor and son of the late billionaire stock investor Sir John Templeton, contributed $565,000 to super PACs through May 2012. Templeton gave $265,000 to Red White and Blue Fund (supporting Santorum), $200,000 to Raising Red and $100,000 to American Crossroads.

The Waltons

Jim, Alice and Christy Walton of the Walmart family combined to give $552,500 to super PACs through April 2012. All three rank in the top 10 of the <em>Forbes</em> list of the 400 richest Americans. Christy is ranked sixth with a net worth of $24.5 billion, Jim is ranked ninth with a net worth of $21.1 billion, and Alice is ranked 10th with a net worth of $20.9 billion. The Walton family gave $400,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), $150,000 to Our Destiny (supporting Jon Huntsman), and $2,500 to Real Street Conservatives PAC. (Pictured: Jim Walton and Alice Walton.)

Richard Uihlein

Richard Uihlein, the son of the founder of the U-Line Corp., contributed $535,000 to super PACs through May 2012. Uihlein gave $250,000 to FreedomWorks for America, $210,000 to Club for Growth, $50,000 to Liberty Principles PAC and $25,000 to New Prosperity Foundation. (Pictured: The website of FreedomWorks, the biggest recipient of contributions from Uihlein.)

League Of American Voters

The League of American Voters, a conservative nonprofit affiliated with consultant Dick Morris and Americans for Tax Reform, contributed $500,000 to Super PAC for America, a group controlled by Morris. The league's donors are not disclosed to the public.

David And Ethelmae Humphreys

David Humphreys, head of the Texas roofing company Tamko Building Products, and his mother, Ethelmae Humphreys, gave $525,000 to super PACs through April 2012. David Humphreys gave $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), and Ethelmae Humphreys gave $25,000 to the Club for Growth.

The Fox Family

Sam, Jeffrey, Greg and Marilyn Fox of the Missouri-based Harbour Group have given $525,000 to super PACs through May 2012. The Foxes are longtime Republican Party donors. They have given $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) and $25,000 to Hoosiers For Jobs, a super PAC that supported Sen. Dick Lugar's unsuccessful primary campaign. (Pictured: Sam Fox.)

Bruce Kovner

Bruce Kovner, the billionaire director of the hedge fund Caxton Associates, contributed $500,000 to Restore Our Future (backing Romney). Kovner ranks 74 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $4.3 billion.

Louis Bacon

Louis Bacon, the founder of hedge fund Moore Capital, gave $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). Bacon ranks 312 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.4 billion. (Pictured: Mitt Romney, the candidate Bacon supports through his super PAC contributions.)

Janet Duchossois

Janet Duchossois, the wife of Duchossois Group chief Craig Duchossois, gave $500,000 to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. She donated $250,000 to Restore Our Future (backing Romney) and $250,000 to American Crossroads.

W.S. Propst

W.S. Propst, an Alabama real estate developer, gave $500,000 to Winning Our Future (backing Gingrich). (Pictured: Newt Gingrich, the candidate Propst supports through his super PAC giving.)

David Lisonbee

David Lisonbee, the head of 4Life, a multi-level marketing company that sells health products, contributed $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

S.W. Childs Management

The investment advisory company S.W. Childs Management contributed $500,000 to Restore Our Future (backing Romney). (Pictured: Mitt Romney, the candidate supported by S.W. Childs Management's contribution.)

Susan Gore

Susan Gore, the daughter of the founder of manufacturing company W.L. Gore & Associates, gave $500,000 to Red White And Blue Fund (supporting Santorum) through March 2012. (Pictured: Rick Santorum, the candidate supported by Gore's contributions.)

Corporate Land Management Inc.

Corporate Land Management Inc., an obscure corporation listed in Dallas, Texas, contributed $500,000 to the Campaign for American Values, a little-known super PAC, through May 2012.

Kevin And Debra Rollins

Kevin and Debra Rollins combined to give $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) through May 2012. Kevin Rollins is the head of TPA Private Equity, located in Massachusetts, and previously led the computer manufacturer Dell and worked with Romney at Bain Capital.

Stephen Zide

Stephen Zide, the current managing director of Bain Capital, has given $500,000 to Restore Our Future, the super PAC supporting Mitt Romney's presidential bid. Zide's $250,000 contribution in April pushed him into the category of $500,000-plus donors.

Richard Gilliam

Richard Gilliam, the founder of the coal company Cumberland Resources, now owned by Alpha Natural Resources, has given $500,000 to American Crossroads through May 2012. Gilliam and his wife were on a list of attendees at a donor event in 2011 organized by the billionaire Koch brothers. (Pictured: Karl Rove, a founder of American Crossroads.)

W. Ed Bosarge

W. Ed Bosarge, a financial entrepreneur in Houston, had contributed $500,000 to super PACs through May 2012. He has donated $400,000 to American Crossroads and $100,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). (Pictured: Karl Rove, a founder of American Crossroads.)

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Ed Conard on Bain Capital, Economics and Obama&#39;s Record (Video)

Edward Conard spent 14 years as a partner at Bain Capital, the most scrutinized company in America. But these days, he?s in the news for another reason. As the author of ?Unintended Consequences,? Conard has challenged the conventional wisdom about the U.S. economy and outlined ideas that have resulted in scorn from the New York Times and Jon Stewart.

Conard visited Heritage this week to share his perspective at The Bloggers Briefing. He also sat down for an interview to talk about the book, media coverage of Bain Capital and why President Obama has such a poor economic record.

While working for Bain Capital, Conard headed the firm?s New York office and oversaw the acquisition of large industrial companies. He also worked alongside Mitt Romney. So as the Washington Post and other media outlets examine Bain Capital, Conard sees the coverage not just as a critique of private equity but American business as well.

?These are really attacks on business,? he said. ?They pit employees against employers. It?s kind of old-fashioned union organizing in a sense. And they want to pretend that managers only work for investors, Bain Capital only works for investors. But they don?t realize we?re all working for the customer, first and foremost.?

He noted the vast majority of Bain Capital?s investments were successful, growing two-and-a-half times faster than the S&P 500. Even though those investments added about $100 billion of revenue relative to the S&P 500, Bain is portrayed as a ?vampire? and ?job destroyer.?

On Obama?s poor economic record ? the unemployment rate stands at 8.2 percent ? Conard attributes a ?profound misunderstanding of what drives growth of the economy and what drives employment in the economy.? He continued:

I think that by misinterpreting the financial crisis for financial gain and turning employees against employers for financial gain, I think he?s done a great disservice to the economy. I don?t think he?s fixed the problems that have to be fixed, and then on top of that he?s loaded an enormous amount of regulation on top, which increases uncertainty and only exacerbates an already a difficult problem of trying to get our economy to grow in the aftermath of the financial crisis. ? It?s hard to rate that anything but poor.

Despite the economic challenges facing America, Conard remains optimistic about the future of the country. He said workers in the United States are much more productive than their counterparts around the globe. That?s put tens of millions people to work.

?No other high-wage economy has done more for the middle class and working poor than this economy,? he said.

Critics have called Conard a defender of inequality. He responds by pointing to the absurdity of their arguments, which are often grounded in anything but economics. He said the likes of Joseph Stiglitz and Timothy Noah simply don?t see that the economy has shifted. His book is subtitled, ?Why Everything You?ve Been Told About the Economy Is Wrong.?

Conard calls it an innovation-based, risk-oriented, individual, entrepreneurial economy. He pointed to the 13 people who created Instagram and sold it for $1 billion in just two years.

?Innovation is like looking for pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. You have to find a lot of pieces that don?t match to find the one or two pieces that match,? he explained. ?And you have to motivate people to take almost certain failure to get a small amount of success, which has driven our economy forward. And if they don?t see high payoffs for success, it?s unlikely they will take the risk.?

The interview runs about five minutes. Hosted by Rob Bluey and produced by Brandon Stewart. For more videos from Heritage, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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