"I have mirrors on the wall because I'm a helluva dancer," announced Spanos, who was then 77 years old. "Haven't you ever seen me dance? Are you serious? Well, then, I'll show you."

A television blinked to life, treating the reporter to a videotape of Spanos dancing with Bob Hope at a charity function.

"I've given millions away, and I'm happy to do it," Spanos continued.

The Republican Party, which has received a considerable portion of that largesse, has been happy as well. In addition to his support of George W. Bush and congressional Republicans, Spanos gave $100,000 in an attempt to defeat California's Proposition 36, mandating rehabilitation programs instead of prison for most drug offenders. Voters approved the measure last November, even though hedge fund financier George Soros (No. 300, $190,000) kicked in more than $1 million to oppose it.

Spanos got his start working with his father at a family bakery, before founding a catering company for migrant farm workers in the early 1950s and then moving into real estate. Forbes estimates his current wealth at $850 million.

Spanos, who also owns the San Diego Chargers, knows how to turn public dollars into private wealth. In 1995, the city of San Diego issued $68 million in bonds to renovate the Chargers stadium, and the following year, city officials reportedly agreed to have taxpayers pick up the tab for any seats that went unfilled through the 2006 season. That apparently wasn't enough for Spanos: last summer he was quoted as saying he wanted a new stadium. Taxpayers protested, and the Chargers quickly backpedaled. "Given the climate," team management declared in a newspaper ad several days later, "the Chargers do not expect the public to pay for such a stadium."

Spanos paid $72 million for the Chargers in 1984. Last summer he estimated the team's worth at $600 million.