Super PAC Donor Says Gingrich Is at 'End of His Line,' Romney Not Bold Enough
The largest financial donor to Newt Gingrich's Winning Our Future Super PAC is now saying that the former speaker's chances of winning the GOP presidential nomination are quickly fading. At the same time, he says Mitt Romney's decision making skills are not bold enough.
During a break at The Jewish Federations of North America's annual TribeFest, casino magnate Sheldon Adelson was speaking to a small group when he said of Gingrich, "He's at the end of his line."
Adelson and his wife Miri have given Gingrich's Super PAC over $15 million this election cycle because of his staunch support of Israel. While he feels the Gingrich candidacy is winding down, Adelson had strong opinions on Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.
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"Rick Santorum is too social. I am what you would call a social liberal on the social issues I am not pro-life or pro-choice," Adelson told the group who videotaped his comments last week. "Look, I'm in business and have been in business 66 years … There is no background of his voting record…this man has no history whatsoever of creating anything or taking risk."
"That having been said, I know Rick. I like him. We're friendly. But I got to tell you something. I don't want him running my country," added Adelson.
The problem with Romney is … and I've spoken with Romney many, many, many times. He's not the bold decision maker like Newt Gingrich is," Adelson said. "Every time I talk to him he says, 'let me think about it.' Everything I've said to Mitt he says 'let me look into it.' He is like Obama … he doesn't want to put himself out there."
Adelson doesn't feel Gingrich would be Romney's choice for vice president because Romney will not comment on the issue and Gingrich says the Romney could not commit to him for fear of alienating sitting governors who think they may have a shot at the second spot if they help Romney.
Nonetheless, Adelson has said in prior interviews that he is fully committed to defeating President Obama in the November elections and will support the Republican nominee.
Gingrich gained a great deal of momentum after winning the South Carolina primary, but lost steam after Florida and after failing to win in many of the southern states where his support was thought to have been strongest.
On Wednesday, Gingrich announced that he would be laying off a third of his campaign staff and would refine his campaign strategy by focusing more on social media in order to stay in the race until the GOP convention in August.
