One of the largest states in the nation took an official stand Thursday against the Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which ruled that government restriction of corporation or union spending on political campaigns violated the First Amendment right to free speech.

California joins Hawaii, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maryland and New Mexico in calling for a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court ruling.

State assembly members Bob Wieckowski (D-Calif.) and Michael Allen (D-Calif.) introduced the campaign finance reform bill in January, calling for the federal government to send a constitutional amendment overturning Citizens United to all the states for ratification. The measure also would serve as an official symbol of California's disagreement with the ruling.

In an email to The Huffington Post, Wieckowski emphasized California's status as a trendsetter in the fight for campaign finance reform. "A lot of national movements and trends start in California," wrote Wieckowski. "We have the largest population, the most congressional representatives and the largest economy in the country. It was critical for California to take a stand."

The last constitutional amendment was ratified in 1992. When asked about the quixotic nature of his resolution, Wieckowski agreed that the fight for campaign finance reform was a challenge.

"No one is underestimating how difficult it is, and justifiably so, to amend the Constitution," said Wieckowski. "But being silent is worse. Failing to speak out, to organize, to hold rallies and to take action would be much worse."

"That’s how you bring about change in this country. By going to city hall, the state Capitol and making your voice heard and shining a light on the issue."

The moment Citizens United was first decided in 2010, Mary Zhu, a retired physician from Davis, Calif., joined other local activists to make phone calls, write letters and sign petitions against the ruling under the organizing umbrella of the non-profit Public Citizen.

Together with Occupy Davis, Zhu and her friends were able to push the Davis City Council to endorse Wieckowski's bill in February. Now that she's part of a successful statewide effort, to condemn Citizens United, Zhu has no doubt that grassroots activism nationwide will eventually overturn the ruling.

"California is big and powerful, and this resolution will give tremendous encouragement to other groups, Zhu said to The Huffington Post. "It's like a stone that gets thrown in the pond; the water ripples far and wide."

When asked about bipartisan acceptance of large donations in the post-Citizens era, Zhu was realistic about how both Republican and Democratic candidates benefited. "It's the game, and they're stuck in it. I can understand why Obama has to go along with it -- 'You don't bring a knife to a gunfight'," Zhu said.

But to Zhu, the politicians' conundrum also underscored the importance of her work as a private citizen. "We citizens, who have nothing to gain and everything to lose -- it's our job to start screaming loud and clear. This resolution is just the beginning."

Organizations such as Public Citizen, Common Cause, CREDO Mobile, Free Speech for People and the California League of Conservation Voters all advocated for passage of the resolution in the California legislature. Public Citizen circulated a petition signed by more than 50,000 from California, and it has advocated for similar resolutions in states such as Vermont and Maryland.

  • 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.)