Dave Liniger (with Gail)
March 5, 2001 The Linigers had given only a few token campaign contributions before they each gave $250,000 to the Republican National Committee last October. Concerns about military preparedness prompted the couple to support George W. Bush. "My starting paycheck in the Air Force was $99 a month," Dave Liniger told the Washington Post. "That was pathetic. I don't want anybody to have to earn that kind of money." Gail Liniger's total contributions nearly equal her husband's -- he edged her out by only $4,000 -- and she currently serves as CEO of Re/Max, the real estate firm founded by the couple more than 25 years ago. But it is Dave Liniger who gets most of the press coverage: The media have reported that the Re/Max chairman likes to fly planes, race stock cars, scuba dive, and breed Arabian horses. In 1998, Liniger joined a highly publicized attempt to man the first around-the-world hot air balloon flight. Though bad weather prevented the balloon from actually launching, Liniger and his company got impressive media mileage out of what was essentially a non-event. In philanthropic circles, both Linigers are known for their frequent -- and lucrative -- fundraisers. In 1996, they created The Sanctuary, a private PGA-quality golf course, specifically to host charity events. So far, the course has raised more than $7 million. -- Pam Smith | | |
