The WSJ profiles Houston billionaire Harold Simmons, the 2012 election's biggest benefactor, who calls Obama "the most dangerous American alive … because he would eliminate free enterprise in this country." Simmons is also pro-choice. Alex Burns wonders if Republican business interests could hurt Christianism's grip on the party:
The Journal story is a good illustration of how the post-Citizens United campaign finance regime has changed the balance of power in the Republican coalition. Wealthy, business- and regulation-oriented conservatives like Simmons have always been influential. But in a time of unrestricted political contributions, a seven-figure donor who openly labels himself "pro-choice" is even more disproportionately powerful, compared to even most high-profile social conservative activists. If you're a presidential candidate, who would you rather have on your team: Paul Singer, the mega-donor and Romney supporter who helped legalize gay unions in New York, or the National Organization for Marriage?
The Dish 