Texas magnate spreads love amid Republicans
WASHINGTON - Texas billionaire Harold Simmons has vowed to give away at least half of his fortune before he dies. That's good news for the hospitals, youth centers and ballet companies that benefit from his largesse - not to mention the Republican Party.
The Dallas tycoon, 80, has been among the most aggressive donors to take advantage of new rules that place few limits on how much money wealthy individuals and corporations can contribute to political groups.
Though he has never run for office, Simmons could profoundly shape the course of the 2012 presidential election simply by opening his checkbook. It wouldn't be the first time - a Simmons-controlled business in 2004 gave $3 million to the group Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, which helped to undermine Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry by attacking his Vietnam War record.
