Richard Uihlein

Richard (Dick) Uihlein, son of Edgar Uihlein, is an American businessman and billionaire who co-founded ULINE Corporation in 1980, a shipping and packaging materials company headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Uihlein has contributed tens of millions to conservative campaigns and causes. Daniel Bice of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote in 2015 that the Uihleins "are quickly becoming the Koch brothers of Wisconsin politics."

2018 Election Influence

U.S. Senate Campaign of Kevin Nicholson

Eight different super PACs that receive Uihlein funds, including the Club for Growth, are supporting Kevin Nicholson's campaign for Senate in Wisconsin. These super PACs have contributed a total of more than $7 million. Uihlein is bankrolling "Solutions for Wisconsin", a super PAC supporting the Senate campaign of Republican Kevin Nicholson. As of July 2017 the billionaire has contributed $3.5 million to the super PAC, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

For the 2018 mid-term election cycle, Richard Uihlein contributed a total of $4.2 million to Restoration PAC and $3.7 million for Americas PAC. Most of this funding was to influence the Wisconsin Senate race in support of Kevin Nicholson.

Kevin Nicholson, a former Democrat, joined the Republican primary on July 26, 2017, running against Wisconsin State Senator Leah Vukmir in the primary.

U.S. Senate Campaign of Josh Hawley

The Club for Growth funneled $10 million to super PACs supporting Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley's bid for Senate. At least $2 million of this funding came from Uihlein.

U.S. Senate Campaign of Patrick Morrisey

Uihlein is supporting West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey in a campaign to unseat Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, providing at least $250,000.

U.S. Senate Campaign of Chris McDaniel

Uihlein and hedge fund billionaire and key Trump supporter Robert Mercer each contributed approximately $500,000 million to a pro-McDaniel super PAC in August 2017, seven months before McDaniel announced a primary challenge to Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker. McDaniel has since dropped his challenge to Wicker and will instead run to replace departing Senator Thad Cochran in 2018.

Illinois Governor Campaign of Jeanne Ives

After supporting the candidacy of Bruce Rauner in 2014, Uihlein turned on the Illinois Governor after he signed a bill expanding Medicaid services to the poor including for abortion coverage. In the Republican primary, Uihlein has bankrolled the candidacy of state legislator Jeanne Ives. In January 2018, Uihlein pumped $2.5 million into Ives' campaign. Also in January 2018, Uihlein gave $3 million to the Liberty Principles PAC, run by Dan Proft, a former Rauner ally-turned critic.

Other Activity

Uihlein seems to be expanding his focus into Tennessee by fuding a PAC called Stand Firm America. In August 2017, he sent $500,000 to the PAC, but it hasn't yet spent any money or indicated what it will do. Federal disclosures name Joe Carr, a Tea Party politician and failed Tennessee Senate candidate, and his daughter as agents operating the super PAC.

As of February 28, 2018, Uihlein has contributed $1.7 to America's PAC. The conservative PAC focuses on black and hispanic voters in swing states. According to their website, "since 2002 America's PAC has broadcast more than 150,000 ads supporting free market candidates and Republican principles with a specific focus on urban markets." America's PAC has frequently engaged in ads which intend to suppress voter turnout of minority groups that tend to support Democratic candidates.

2017 Special Election

Uihlein raised significant attention when he spent money supporting former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore in his bid for U.S. Senate after he was accused of assault by multiple women. Moore competed in a special election for a seat vacated by Jeff Sessions when he was appointed U.S. Attorney General. Uihlein donated $100,000 to a pro-Moore super PAC, but also donated $500,000 last year to Senate Conservatives Action, which spent $400,000 in favor of Moore in the race.

2016 Election Influence

According to the Federal Election Commission, Richard Uihlein contributed a total of $19,068,500 to super PACs, Hybrid PACs and Historical Soft Money Party Accounts while his wife Liz has contributed $2,525,000 (As of July 22, 2016). Uihlein is the fourth largest contributor to outside spending groups in the 2016 election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, spending a total of $13,658,500 in disclosed outside spending. (As of July 22, 2016).

Funding Club for Growth

Uihlein contributed $3,250,000 to Club for Growth Action in the 2016 election cycle; the 527 PAC serves as the outside spending and advertising arm of the national 501(c)(4) right-wing non-profit group Club for Growth.

Club for Growth Action has spent a total of $13,144,808 in the 2016 election cycle, most of the group's independent expenditures are comprised of negative advertising against Democrats, Donald Trump and challenging incumbent Republicans in their primaries. (Spending totals as of July 22, 2016).

Funding for Senator Ron Johnson

Restoration PAC

Richard Uihlein contributed $1.8 million, or 96 percent, of the $1.9 million Restoration PAC reported to the FEC from 2015 to June 2016.

According to The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Restoration PAC poured money into Wisconsin in support of Ron Johnson's re-election bid, attacking Democratic challenger Russ Feingold's campaign. That spending includes $500,000 on TV advertising in Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Madison last summer.

Restoration PAC has put out ads attacking both Hillary Clinton and Russ Feingold.

Funding for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker

Unintimidated PAC

Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein contributed a combined $5 million to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's Unintimidated PAC in 2015, placing them alongside right-wing billionaire donor Diane Hendricks as top contributors to the super PAC that supported Walker's failed 2016 presidential bid.

Our American Revival

In January 2015 Scott Walker set up Our American Revival, a 527 PAC. According to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Our American Revival received $1.2 million from the Uihleins in 2015.

Funding for Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz

Trusted Leadership PAC

Richard Uihlein donated $1 million to Trusted Leadership on March 9, 2016.

Trusted Leadership was one of a number of super PACs that supported Ted Cruz's failed 2016 presidential campaign. Trusted Leadership filed its statement of organization with the FEC on February 19, 2016, and serves as an umbrella organization to four other pro-Cruz super PACs: Keep the Promise PAC, Keep the Promise I, Keep the Promise III and Keep the Promise to Veterans.

Keep the Promise PAC

On January 7, 2016, Politico reported that Uihlein donated $1 million to another Cruz super PAC, Keep the Promise PAC. "He is one of the top five courted GOP donors," Ryun told CNN. "For us to land him is a good shot in the arm for Ted, and it really sets the stage going into Iowa."

FEC records indicate Uihlein made a $1 million contribution to the PAC on January 6, 2016.

Funding to Defeat Donald Trump in Presidential Primary

Uihlein contributed heavily to the conservative, anti-Trump independent expenditure group Our Principles PAC. The single largest disclosed donation Uihlein has made was a $2 million contribution to Our Principles PAC on March 21, 2016.

Funding America's Pac to Defeat Hillary Clinton

Uihlein is the principal source of funding for America's PAC, contributing $500,000 to the group in 2016 (as of July 20), $500,000 in 2015 and $670,000 in 2014. The conservative group spent $339,740 on advertising opposing Hillary Clinton in 2015, $141,600 on advertising opposing Russ Feingold (D-WI) in 2016, $92,832 against Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and $233,064 against Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) (as of July 20).

Funding Liberty Principles PAC for Illinois Races

Uihlein accounts for nearly all of the funding to Liberty Principles PAC having contributed $5,050,000. The Super PAC is run by Dan Proft, a former conservative radio commentator and 2010 Illinois Gubernatorial candidate who's failed campaign was bankrolled by Uihlein. The Super PAC supports conservatives running for the Illinois General Assembly.

Other Contributions

Other large contributions Uihlein has made to right-wing and Republican outside spending groups are noted below (As of July 20, 2016):

• $800,000 to Senate Conservatives Action (multiple donations)
• $500,000 to Citizen PAC, Inc. on January 21, 2016
• $500,000 to Senate Conservative Reform Action PAC on June 2, 2016
• $255,000 to Madison Project (multiple donations)
• $250,000 to FreedomWorks for America on August 31, 2015
• $100,000 to Carly Committee for America on September 8, 2015
• $76,000 to Illinois Families First on February 26, 2016
• $45,000 to Fight for Tomorrow (multiple donations)
• $25,000 to Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund on January 16, 2016

Anti-Trans and Anti-Homosexual Views

In Illinois School Board District 211, Richard Uihlein opposed a decision which would allow transgendered students to enter girls' locker rooms by supporting board candidates which shared his views. Uihlein's funding helped opponents of transgender rights to blanket the school district in "slick, expensive-looking signs" according to Daye Pope, organizing director for Trans United Fund, which supported the policy.

Uihlein and his allies drew criticism for their support of Jeanne Ives, the unsuccessful challenger for the Illinois governorship in 2018, when her campaign released a highly offensive add with a "cartoonish" depiction of a transgender woman. "It was probably the most offensive thing I've seen in a state race," said Pat Brady, the former Illinois Republican chairman. Uihlein denied any involvement in the ad.

Uihlein's Political Support Backfires

Support from Richard Uihlein has not always translated into success for political candidates. Some of the most recent high profile candidates supported by Uihlien which have failed in their political aspirations include Illinois gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives, Alabama senate candidate Roy Moore, and presidential candidates Scott Walker and Ted Cruz. Eric O'Keefe tried to explain the support for Walker and Cruz before supporting President Trump by stating "like a lot of conservatives, they bounced between a few candidates."

Mickey Straub, mayor of Burr Ridge, Illinois, unsuccessfully ran for the State House of Representatives. His support from Mr. Uihlein became a political liability after Uihlein continued to support Roy Moore for Senate in Alambama, even after Moore was accused to sexual misconduct with underage girls. The connection between Moore, Uihlein and Straub became the subject of negative ads. Straub expressed regret for Uihlein's support stating, "It sounded good because I didn't have a big war chest, but I became no better than my opponent," he said. "In the end, I would not do it again."

Wisconsin DNR to Swap Lakefront Property with Scott Walker Benefactor Liz Uihlein

Lee Bergquist reported on September 19, 2015 that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had agreed to sell 1.75 acres of lakefront property to Elizabeth Uihlein. The land would give one of Uihlein's other properties direct access to the lake. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the agreement initially "call(ed) for the DNR to sell Uihlein 765 feet of frontage on Rest Lake in the Town of Manitowish Waters for $275,000. She currently owns an adjacent 11-unit condominium complex without lake access."

George Meyer, executive director of the World Wildlife Federation and former Wisconsin Natural Resources Secretary said that "selling prime shoreland on a northern Wisconsin lake is a terrible precedent... It appears to be some kind of special treatment." In 2013 the Republican-controlled Wisconsin legislature ordered the DNR to put 10,000 acres up for sale by June, 2017. Uihlein privately contacted the DNR about purchasing the land, which was not initially put up for sale. "Records show the DNR received two appraisals — for $238,000 and $384,000 — and negotiated a sale closer to the lower appraisal. The price of $275,000 is $359 per foot of lake frontage," Lee Bergquist reports. There was no public input on the agreed upon deal.

On September 23 the governor-appointed Natural Resources Board voted unanimously to put the sale on hold. The DNR reworked the deal to make it a land swap on July 13, 2016. Under the new deal Uihlein would give the DNR 42.7 acres of land for the lakefront property.

The Uihlein's have been an imposing presence in the Manitowish Waters community and have financed a number of local projects. A $2.4 million paved bike path was completed in 2014 and a $1 million lakefront pavilion project was recently built, both paid for by the right-wing megadonors. They also own a hotel, a condominium complex, coffee shop, restaurant, spa and two gift shops in the business district. Their activity has been controversial in the small town where some members of the community have expressed concern over the Uihleins' commitment to protecting the environment. Liz Uihlein was cited for violating the Vilas County shoreline ordinance when she clear-cut trees on one of her properties close to the lake.

Both Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein contributed heavily to Scott Walker's gubernatorial campaigns as well as a combined $5 million to Walker's Unintimidated PAC during his presidential campaign.

Political Activities of Liz Uihlein

Named to the Trump Victory Committee

On May 24, 2016 the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Elizabeth Uihlein was selected by the Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus to sit on the Trump Victory Committee. The committee will raise funds for the Republican National Committee, the Trump campaign and 11 state party committees.

Political Writings

Liz Uihlein has published numerous articles and opinion pieces expressing her political views. Topics of her essays have included criticism of people on food stamps, the dangers in legalization of marijuana and praising Fox News.

Massive Donations and Micromanagement of Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

Liz Uihlein has spent millions of dollars purchasing properties and making donations to the city and local businesses in Manitowish Wasters, Wisconsin, a small town with a population of 566 residents according to the 2010 census. Much of Liz Uihlein's supposed charitable efforts have come with strings attached, such as a threat to divert $300,000 in planned donations if the town didn't move a boat ramp that was near a pavilion she had built. According to Richard Gilman who constructed the Timberline Inn located in Manitowish Waters, Liz Uihlein bought the property to prevent it from being acquired by a businessman who had expressed interest because he was Pakistani. In an email to a local chamber of commerce officer, Liz Uihlein wrote, "I bought the motel as a defensive move for Manitowish Waters because the owner … was going to sell to what several of us, including the Mayor, thought was not in the best interests of the town."

Bankrolling Wisconsin Politicians

Richard Uihlein has deep ties to the state of Wisconsin, where his great-grandfather was a co-founder of Schlitz Brewing Company. His shipping company Uline is headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.

Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein have used their massive fortunes to bankroll various conservative politicians in the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin campaign finance laws dictate that the contribution limit for a gubernatorial candidate is $10,000, however, due to a 1987 change to campaign finance laws in the state, the normal donation limits are suspended for a candidate facing a recall for a period of time. In 2011, Governor Walker received large checks from multiple supporters including $284,000 from the Uihleins.

Listed below are contribution totals made by the Uihleins to various state-level campaigns, based on data compiled by the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign as of May 2016.

• $290,000 to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker as of 2016 ($114,500 of which was contributed by Elizabeth Uihlein)
• $50,000 to Prosser Victory Recount Fund (Former Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice David Prosser)
• $21,000 to Wisconsin State Senator Van Wanggaard
• $17,700 to Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch ($10,200 of which contributed by Elizabeth Uihlein)
• $10,000 to Wisconsin State Supreme Court Candidate James P. Daley
• $10,000 to Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman
• $5,000 to Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley
• $5,000 to Attorney General Brad Schimel
• $4,500 to Wisconsin State Senator Scott Fitzgerald ($2,500 of which contributed by Elizabeth Uihlein)

Illinois Election Spending

According to the Illinois State Board of Elections Uihlein has made 263 contributions to politicians and organizations in the state of Illinois, totaling $10,410,550 as f April 2016.

Supporting Millionaire Bruce Rauner's 2014 Gubernatorial Campaign

Uihlein pumped $2,605,300 into the 2014 Illinois Gubernatorial race in a successful push to get Republican multi-millionaire Bruce Rauner elected.

The large contributions to Rauner were permitted due to an Illinois state law which states that if a candidate puts $250,000 of their own money into a statewide race contribution limits for all candidates in the race are nullified.

Uihlein was Investigated Over Contributions to Rauner

Uihlein was investigated shortly after the election for his contributions to Rauner. A state law passed in 2008 in Illinois states that "Any business entity whose contracts with State agencies, in the aggregate, annually total more than $50,000, and any affiliated entities or affiliated persons of such business entity, are prohibited from making any contributions to any political committees established to promote the candidacy of (i) the officeholder responsible for awarding the contracts or (ii) any other declared candidate for that office." As the State-Journal Register reported, "according to comptroller's records, Uline has been paid more than $80,000 for purchases by agencies under the governor in fiscal year 2015, which ends June 30. The previous year, fiscal 2014, such agency purchases from Uline totaled more than $86,000. The total was about $70,000 in fiscal 2013 and $100,000 in fiscal 2012." It was determined that Uihlein did not break the law "because the small purchases weren't under 'let or awarded' contracts, a new state procurement officer (said)."

Uihlein Bankrolled Proft's Short-Lived Primary Campaign

Uihlein contributed $595,000 to the failed primary campaign of conservative commentator Dan Proft in late 2010, this amount comprised of over 50% of all contribution's to Proft's campaign. Proft received less than 8% of the vote in the 2010 Illinois Republican Gubernatorial Primary.

Proft now runs Liberty Principles PAC.

2014 Election Cycle

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Uihlein was the 10th largest contributor to special interest groups during the 2014 election cycle, contributing $4,676,000 to conservative outside spending groups.

2012 Election Cycle

According to the Center for Responsive Politics Uihlein was the 34th largest contributor to outside spending groups during the 2012 election cycle, donating $1,855,000 to conservative groups.

Ed Uihlein Family Foundation

Richard Uihlein serves as the director and president of the Ed Uihlein Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit located in Lake Forest, Illinois bearing the name of Uihlein's father Edgar.

Lucia Uihlein Higgins is listed as the group's director/secretary and Fredericka Anne Goldenberg (Uihlein) is listed as director/treasurer.

According to their 2014 form 990, "the Ed Uihlein Foundation is organized and operated for the sole purpose of making cash contributions to qualifying public charities. The Foundation does not engage in any other direct charitable activities."

Core Financials

2014:

Revenue
Total Revenue: $13,563,265

• Contributions, gifts, grants, etc., received: $13,417,794
• Dividends and interest from securities: $120,990
• Net gain from sale of assets : $24,479
• Other income: $2

Expenses
Total expenses and disbursements: $10,355,821

• Compensation of officers, directors, trustees, etc: $0
• Accounting fees: $6,300
• Taxes: $2,573
• Other expenses: $31,104
• Contributions, gifts, grants paid: $10,315,844

Assets
Total assets: $10,468,800

• Cash: $7,074,076
• Investments - corporate stock: $3,394,724
• Net assets: $10,468,800

Richard Uihlein contributed $13,417,794 to the group during the 2014 calendar year.

Ed Uihlein Foundation Made Grants To Many Right-Wing Organizations

The Ed Uihlein Foundation's IRS filings reveal that a large number of the grant recipients are non-profits devoted to promoting a right-wing political agenda. See Contributions of the Ed Uihlein Family Foundation for a complete list of the grantees.

Articles and Resources

Articles

• Courtney Weaver and Caitlin Gilbert, How Richard Uihlein became one of the GOP’s biggest megadonors, Financial Times, June 3, 2022.
• Alex Kotch, Right-Wing Families Bankroll Most Extreme GOP Candidates Nationwide, ExposedbyCMD, March 24, 2022.
• David Armiak, Megadonor Uihlein’s PAC Spends $5 Million in First Quarter, ExposedbyCMD, April 15, 2022.
• Alex Kotch, Billionaires Bet Big to Influence 2022 Elections, ExposedbyCMD, February 22, 2022.