There are only two reasons why Newt Gingrich has been able to stay in the Republican presidential race, and they are both named Adelson. Las Vegas casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and his wife Miriam donated $10 million to a pro-Gingrich super PAC just at the moment when it appeared when the former speaker was dead in the water last month. But according to the New York Times, Gingrich’s number one fans already have a “plan B” ready for the day he drops out of the race. The Times says Adelson has relayed to Romney assurances that “he will provide even more generous support to his candidacy if he becomes the Republican nominee.” While sources say Adelson will support Gingrich as long as he wants to stay in the race, he appears to be keenly aware that other pro-Israel Republicans have not rallied to Gingrich’s banner, and he knows Romney is the likely nominee.
This can’t be very reassuring for Gingrich as he prepares to try and survive a month when he is unlikely to win any caucuses or primaries. But it does show that Adelson’s priority is not so much helping his friend as it is beating President Obama this fall.
