Sen. Lindsey Graham’s ‘Security Through Strength’ presidential exploratory committee will get a cash infusion next month from a fundraiser co-hosted by casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and other top Republican Party donors.
Adelson, who contributed nearly $93 million to conservative groups and political action committees in 2012, is one of 33 wealthy co-chairs for the March 3 Graham ‘luncheon and policy discussion’ at the Capitol Hill Club. The event coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial speech to a joint session of Congress.
Several Democratic members of the House of Representatives and Senate said they’re boycotting the speech in protest of House Speaker John Boehner’s decision to invite Netanyahu – who has a frosty relationship with President Barack Obama – as the administration is negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran.
Democrats and White House officials maintain that Boehner breached protocol by inviting Netanyahu to speak in the House chamber ahead of Israel’s March 17 elections. Graham, R-S.C., has supported the prime minister coming to speak to Congress.
Other co-chairs for Graham committee luncheon include Oracle co-CEO Safra Catz, real estate developer David Flaum, and hedge fund manager Seth Klarman, Politico reported Wednesday.
A Graham aide said the involvement of the co-chairs shouldn’t be construed as endorsements this early in the 2016 presidential campaign cycle.