Tough Times for Conservative Philanthropist

After taking a hit of $4 billion in the recent financial turmoil, conservative philanthropist and Freedom's Watch-backer Sheldon Adelson is no longer the third wealthiest person in the United States, according to a revised Forbes' list. Bloomberg:

Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chief Executive Officer Sheldon Adelson's net worth declined by $4 billion between Aug. 29 and Oct. 1, the steepest drop among Americans who lost $1 billion or more during the credit crisis, according to Forbes magazine.

The magazine, in its Oct. 27 issue, recalculates the effect of September's financial news on the wealthiest Americans, those who make up its Forbes 400 list. That list was published on Sept. 17.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Chairman Warren Buffett overtook Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates as the richest American by posting an $8 billion gain to $58 billion during the period, the magazine said. Gates's net worth declined $1.5 billion to $55.5 billion during the 33-day period. He had been first for 15 straight years.

I wrote about the right's frustration with Adelson's tendency to take a hands-on role in projects he funded back in the spring. And Peter Stone profiled the casino mogul in the magazine.