The 2016 election is more than a year and a half away, but conservative megadonors are already picking their favorite candidates:
| Megadonor | 2016 pick | Meeting of the minds |
|---|---|---|
| Norman Braman Billionaire car dealer and former owner of the Philadelphia Eagles |
 Marco Rubio |
Rubio is “the candidate of today and tomorrow,” Braman tells Mother Jones. “Read his book and you’ll see.” |
| Robert Mercer Hedge Fund magnate and the owner of a $2 million model train set |
 Ted Cruz |
Mercer’s firm has been accused of dodging $6 billion in taxes; Cruz has mused about abolishing the IRS. |
| Foster Friess Crocodile hunting mutual fund financier |
 Rick Santorum |
Friess, who joked about aspirin’s contraceptive powers while backing Santorum in 2012, told the Washington Post, “I am clearly in the Santorum camp.” |
| Larry Ellison Founder of Oracle and owner of a private Hawaiian island |
Rubio |
Ellison is holding a big-ticket fundraiser for the candidate at his $200 million Japanese-style Silicon Valley estate.* |
| Ken Langone Home Depot cofounder who once said, “I’m nuts, I’m rich, and boy, do I love a fight!” |
 Chris Christie |
Langone, who initially supported Christie in 2012, has offered to build a bridge between his donor network and the New Jersey governor. |
| Sheldon Adelson Casino tycoon who dropped more than $93 million to defeat Obama in 2012 |
 Rubio…maybe |
Adelson has received visits from Rubio, but is staying coy. His spokesman told Politico, “He’s going to keep his powder dry until he needs to weigh in.” |
| Charles and David Koch Billionaire bros who have vowed to spend $900 million in 2016 |
 Scott Walker…maybe |
David Koch reportedly likes Walker’s chances, but the brothers plan to hold “auditions” for GOP candidates this summer. |
Correction: This story originally reported that Ellison had held a fundraiser for Rand Paul and may back him. Politico reports that Paul only attended the event and Ellison has committed to Rubio.
