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'''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.<ref> ULINE, [http://www.uline.com/Corporate/About_History.aspx About Us: Company History], corporate website, accessed on April 5, 2016.</ref> 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|Koch brothers]] of Wisconsin politics."<ref name="uihlein spending mjs"> Daniel Bice, "[http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/uihleins-spend-big-to-help-ron-johnson-defend-senate-seat-from-russ-feingold-b99589973z1-330585321.html Uihleins spend big to help Ron Johnson defend Senate seat from Russ Feingold]," ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', October 4, 2015.</ref>

==Bankrolling the U.S. Senate Campaign of Kevin Nicholson2018 Election Influence==

Uihlein is bankrolling "Solutions for Wisconsin", a super PAC supporting the ===U.S. Senate campaign 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''.<ref> Bill Glauber, [http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2017/07/26/former-marine-kevin-nicholson-launches-gop-wisconsin-senate-bid/511893001/ Marine veteran Kevin Nicholson launches GOP Wisconsin Senate bid against Tammy Baldwin], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', July 26, 2017.</ref>===

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.<ref name="politico"/> 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''.<ref>Bill Glauber, [http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2017/07/26/former-marine-kevin-nicholson-launches-gop-wisconsin-senate-bid/511893001/ Marine veteran Kevin Nicholson launches GOP Wisconsin Senate bid against Tammy Baldwin], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', July 26, 2017.</ref> 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.<ref name="nytr">Stephanie Saul and Danny Hakim, [https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/us/politics/liz-dick-uihlein-republican-donors.html The Most Powerful Conservative Couple You've Never Heard Of], ''New York Times'', June 7, 2018.</ref> 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.<ref name="politico">Maggie Severns, [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/19/republican-megadonor-uihlein-470268 The biggest Republican megadonor you've never heard of], ''Politico'', March 19, 2018.</ref> ===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.<ref name="politico"/> ===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.<ref name="politico"/> ===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.<ref name="politico"/> Also in January 2018, Uihlein gave $3 million to the Liberty Principles PAC, run by Dan Proft, a former Rauner ally-turned critic.<ref>Tina Sfondeles, [https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/gop-mega-donor-uihlein-makes-b-line-to-rauner-rival-ives/ Not the turnaround Rauner wanted? GOP mega donor Uihlein makes beeline to Ives], ''Chicago Sun-Times'', January 30, 2018.</ref> ===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.<ref name="politico"/> As of February 28, 2018, Uihlein has contributed $1.7 to [[America's PAC]].<ref name="nyt1">Alexander Burns, Jasmine C. Lee, and Rachel Shorey, [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/04/12/us/politics/top-donors-2018-elections.html Billionaire vs. Billionaire: A Tug of War Between 2 Rogue Donors], ''New York Times'', April 12, 2018.</ref> 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."<ref>America's PAC, [http://americaspac527.com/ Welcome], organizational page, accessed April 18, 2018.</ref> 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==Influence during  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.<ref name="politico"/> ==2016 ElectionInfluence==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).<ref name="Uihlein search"/> 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.<ref> Center for Responsive Politics, [https://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/summ.php?cycle=2016&disp=D&type=V 2016 Top Donors to Outside Spending Groups], ''opensecrets.org'', accessed April 27, 2016.</ref> (As of July 22, 2016).

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]].<ref name="Uihlein search"> Federal Election Commission, [http://www.fec.gov/finance/disclosure/norindsea.shtml Contributor search results: Richard Uihlein], FECfinancial disclosure page, accessed on July 22, 2016.</ref>

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.<ref> Center for Responsive Politics, [https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/indexpend.php?cycle=2016&cmte=C00487470 Club for Growth Action], ''opensecrets.org'', accessed July 22, 2016.</ref> (Spending totals as of July 22, 2016).

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.<ref> Federal Election Commission, [http://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/146/201507309000455146/201507309000455146.pdf FEC Forc 3X Report of Receipts and Disbursements Mid Year Report], FEC filing, July 30, 2015.</ref><ref>Federal Election Commission, [http://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/485/201601299004754485/201601299004754485.pdf FEC Form 3X REPORT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS Year End Report], FEC filing, January 29, 2016.</ref>

According to ''The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', Restoration PAC poured money into Wisconsin in support of [[Ron Johnson|Ron Johnson's]] re-election bid, attacking Democratic challenger [[Russ Feingold|Russ Feingold's]] campaign. That spending includes $500,000 on TV advertising in Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Madison last summer.<ref> Daniel Bice, [http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/money-pouring-into-Senate-race-322638532.html Big money pouring into Senate race], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', August 23, 2015.</ref>

Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein contributed a combined $5 million to Wisconsin Governor [[Scott Walker|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.<ref> Center for Responsive Politics, [https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/pacgave2.php?cycle=2016&cmte=C00576108 Unintimidated PAC: contributors, 2016 cycle], ''opensecrets.org'', accessed April 27, 2016.</ref>

In January 2015 Scott Walker set up Our American Revival, a 527 PAC.<ref> Dan Balz, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/01/27/scott-walker-forms-committee-in-preparation-for-2016-presidential-bid/ Scott Walker forms committee in preparation for 2016 presidential bid], ''The Washington Post'', January 27, 2015.</ref> According to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Our American Revival received $1.2 million from the Uihleins in 2015.<ref> Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, [http://www.wisdc.org/InfluencePeddler2016April Influence Peddler of the Month: Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein], organizational website, April 1, 2016.</ref>

Richard Uihlein donated $1 million to [[Trusted Leadership]] on March 9, 2016.<ref> Federal Election Commission, [http://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/610/201604209014503610/201604209014503610.pdf April Monthly FEC filing: Trusted Leadership PAC], FEC filing, April 20, 2016.</ref>

Trusted Leadership was one of a number of super PACs that supported [[Ted Cruz|Ted Cruz's]] failed 2016 presidential campaign. Trusted Leadership filed its statement of organization with the FEC on February 19, 2016,<ref name="april"> Federal Election Commission, [http://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/529/201602199008503529/201602199008503529.pdf Statement of Organization: Trusted Leadership PAC], FEC filing, February 19, 2016.</ref> 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]].<ref> Fredreka Schouten, [http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/03/04/ted-cruz-new-super-pac-trusted-leadership/81306006/ First look: Ted Cruz allies launch new super PAC], ''USA Today'', March 4, 2016.</ref>

On January 7, 2016, ''Politico'' reported that Uihlein donated $1 million to another Cruz super PAC, Keep the Promise PAC.<ref> Daniel Strauss, [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/dick-uihlein-ted-cruz-217462 Cruz super PAC scoops up $1 million donation from megadonor Uihlein], ''Politico'', January 7, 2016.</ref> "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.<ref name="donor detail"> Center for Responsive Politics, [https://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/donor_detail.php?cycle=2016&id=U0000003690&type=I&super=N&name=Uihlein%2C+Richard Uihlein, Richard: Donor Detail], ''opensecrets.org'', accessed May 13, 2016.</ref>

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.<ref name="Uihlein listed donations"> Center for Responsive Politics, [https://www.opensecrets.org/usearch/?q=Richard+Uihlein&cx=010677907462955562473%3Anlldkv0jvam&cof=FORID%3A11 Search: Richard Uihlein, Donors], ''opensecrets.org'', accessed May 13, 2016.</ref>

===Funding [[Americas America's Pac]] to Defeat Hillary Clinton===

Uihlein is the principal source of funding for [[Americas America's PAC]], contributing $500,000 to the group in 2016 (as of July 20)<ref name="americas july"> Federal Election Commission, [http://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/939/201607159020498939/201607159020498939.pdf July Quarterly Report: Americas PAC], FEC filing, July 15, 2016.</ref>, $500,000 in 2015<ref> Federal Election Commission, [http://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/fecimg/?201601299004789796 Itemized Receipts: Americas PAC], FEC filing, January 29, 2016.</ref> and $670,000 in 2014. The conservative group spent $339,740 on advertising opposing Hillary Clinton in 2015,<ref> Federal Election Commission, [http://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/791/201601299004789791/201601299004789791.pdf Year-end FEC report: Americas PAC], FEC filing, January 29, 2016.</ref> $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).<ref> Federal Election Commission, [http://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/fecimg/?201604149012344085 Itemized Independent Expenditures: Americas PAC], FEC filing, April 14, 2016.</ref><ref name="americas july"/>

Uihlein accounts for nearly all of the funding to Liberty Principles PAC having contributed $5,050,000.<ref> National Institute on Money in State Politics, [http://www.followthemoney.org/entity-details?eid=2691126 Uihelin, Richard Ellis (Dick)], ''Followthemoney.org'', accessed June 20, 2016.</ref> 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.<ref name="liberty principles"> Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, [https://www.illinoissunshine.org/committees/liberty-principles-pac-24614/ Liberty Principles PAC], ''Illinois Sunshine'', accessed June 20, 2016.</ref>

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."<ref name="lee"> Lee Bergquist, [http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/dnr-agrees-to-sell-prime-lake-frontage-to-big-scott-walker-donor-b99579091z1-328391481.html DNR agrees to sell prime lake frontage to big Scott Walker donor], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', September 19, 2015.</ref>

On September 23 the governor-appointed Natural Resources Board voted unanimously to put the sale on hold.<ref name="lee2"> Lee Bergquist, [http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/natural-resources-board-tables-sale-of-north-woods-lakefront-land-b99582289z1-328882151.html DNR board tables sale of lakefront land to Walker donor], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', September 23, 2015.</ref> 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.<ref> Lee Bergquist, [http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/lake-frontage-land-trade-proposed-in-vilas-county-between-dnr-uihlein-b99761301z1-386712781.html Lake frontage land trade proposed in Vilas County between DNR, Uihlein], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', July 14, 2016.</ref>

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.<ref> Lee Bergquist, [http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/manitowish-waters-main-benefactors-gets-mixed-reviews-manitowish-waters-main-benefactors-gets-mixe-b-333336681.html Manitowish Waters' main benefactors get mixed reviews], ''The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', October 16, 2015.</ref> 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.<ref name="lee"/>

==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.<ref>Bill Glauber, [http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/diane-hendricks-liz-uihlein-to-raise-funds-for-trump-b99731567z1-380686891.html Diane Hendricks, Liz Uihlein to raise funds for Trump], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', May 24, 2016.</ref> ===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.<ref name="nytr"/> ===Massive Donations and Micromanagement of Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin===

On May 24, 2016 the ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'' reported that Elizabeth Liz Uihlein was selected by has spent millions of dollars purchasing properties and making donations to the Republican National Committee Chairman [[Reince Priebus]] city and local businesses in Manitowish Wasters, Wisconsin, a small town with a population of 566 residents according to sit on the Trump Victory Committee2010 census. The committee will raise funds for the Republican National CommitteeMuch 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 Trump campaign and 11 state party committeestown didn't move a boat ramp that was near a pavilion she had built.<refname="nytr"/> Bill GlauberAccording to Richard Gilman who constructed the Timberline Inn located in Manitowish Waters, [http://www.jsonlineLiz Uihlein bought the property to prevent it from being acquired by a businessman who had expressed interest because he was Pakistani.com/news/statepolitics/diane-hendricks-liz-uihlein-In an email to-raise-funds-for-trump-b99731567z1-380686891.html Diane Hendricksa 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 raise funds for Trump]what several of us, ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''including the Mayor, May 24, 2016thought was not in the best interests of the town."<ref name="nytr"/ref>

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.<ref name="wisdem wis"/><ref> Andrea Seabrook, [http://www.npr.org/2012/06/05/154368815/in-fundraising-walker-had-a-governors-advantage Sky's The Limit In Campaign Cash For Wis. Governor], ''National Public Radio'', June 5, 2012.</ref>

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.<ref name="wisdem wis"> Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, [http://www.wisdc.org/index.php?module=wisdc.websiteforms&cmd=searchadvanced&filter=+Search+&contributor_name=Uihlein%2C+Richard&p=1 Campaign Finance Database], organizational website, accessed May 13, 2016.</ref>

*$10,000 to Wisconsin State Supreme Court Candidate James P. Daley

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.<ref> Illinois State Board of Elections, [http://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/ContributionsSearchByAllContributions.aspx?ddlContributionType=All+Types&ddlLastOnlyNameSearchType=Starts+with&txtLastOnlyName=Uihlein&ddlFirstNameSearchType=Starts+with&txtFirstName=Richard&ddlAddressSearchType=Starts+with&txtAddress=&ddlCitySearchType=Starts+with&txtCity=&ddlState=&txtZip=&txtZipThru=&ddlOccupationSearchType=Starts+with&txtOccupation=&ddlEmployerSearchType=Starts+with&txtEmployer=&txtAmount=&txtAmountThru=&txtRcvDate=&txtRcvDateThru=&ddlOrderBy=Last+or+Only+Name+-+A+to+Z&ddlVendorLastOnlyName=Starts+with&txtVendorLastOnlyName=&ddlVendorFirstName=Starts+with&txtVendorFirstName=&ddlVendorAddress=Starts+with&txtVendorAddress=&ddlVendorCity=Starts+with&txtVendorCity=&ddlVendorState=&txtVendorZip=&txtVendorZipThru=&ddlPurpose=Starts+with&txtPurpose= Contributions List: Richard Uihlein], governmental website, accessed on April 25, 2016.</ref>

Uihlein pumped $2,605,300 into the 2014 Illinois Gubernatorial race in a successful push to get Republican candidate multi-millionaire [[Bruce Rauner]] elected.<ref>National Institute on Money in State Politics, [http://www.followthemoney.org/entity-details?eid=2922304&default=candidate Rauner, Burce Bruce Vincent], ''followthemoney.org'', accessed June 20, 2016.</ref>

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.<ref> Illinois state Board of Elections, [https://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/ContributionLimitOffElecSelect.aspx Contribution Limits Off Search], government website, accessed June 20, 2016.</ref>

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."<ref> Illinois General Assembly, [http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=003005000K50-37 Illinois Compiled Statutes: (30 ILCS 500/50-37) Sec. 50-37. Prohibition of political contributions.], governmental website, accessed on April 5, 2016.</ref> 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."<ref> Bernard Schoenburg, [http://www.sj-r.com/article/20150613/NEWS/150619728 $2M Rauner donor's company does business with state, has exceeded $50K limit past 4 years], ''The State Journal-Register'', June 13, 2015.</ref> It was determined that Uihlein did not break the law "because the small purchases weren’t weren't under 'let or awarded' contracts, a new state procurement officer (said)."<ref> Bernard Schoenburg, [http://www.sj-r.com/article/20160323/OPINION/160329823 Bernard Schoenburg: Election results don't change Rauner stand], ''The State Journal-Register'', March 23, 2016.</ref>

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.<ref> National Institute on Money in State Politics, [http://classic.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=116960 Proft, Dan], ''followthemoney.org'', accessed June 20, 2016.</ref> Proft received less than 8% of the vote in the 2010 Illinois Republican Gubernatorial Primary.<ref> Paul Merrion, [http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130928/issue01/309289966/the-koch-of-conservative-politics-in-illinois-uihlein The Koch of conservative politics in Illinois: Uihlein], ''Crain's Chicago Business'', September 28, 2013.</ref>

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.<ref> Center for Responsive Politics, [https://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/summ.php?cycle=2014&disp=D&type=V&superonly=N 2014 top donors to outside spending groups], ''opensecrets.org'', accessed April 27, 2016.</ref>

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.<ref> Center for Responsive Politics, [https://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/summ.php?cycle=2012&disp=D&type=V&superonly=N 2012 top donors to outside spending groups], ''opensecrets.org'', accessed April 27, 2016.</ref>

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.<ref name="2014 990"> Ed Uihlein Family Foundation, [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2014/205/723/2014-205723621-0b65a577-F.pdf IRS Form 990 2014], Internal Revenue Service, May 26, 2015.</ref>

The Ed Uihlein Foundation's latest IRS filing reveals 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.

*$3,000 to [[Accuracy in Academia]]==Articles and Resources==*15,000 to [[Accuracy in Media]]===Articles===*$100Courtney Weaver and Caitlin Gilbert,000 to the [[Center for Competitive Politics]]*$50,000 to https://www.ft.com/content/70fbafde-a802-4425-ab9c-735788f575f3 How Richard Uihlein became one of the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute*$500 to the [[Competitive Enterprise Institute]GOP’s biggest megadonors]*$3,500 to the [[Eagle Forum|Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense]]*$400''Financial Times'',000 to the [[Foundation for Government Accountability]]*$5June 3,000 to the [[Independent Institute]]2022.*$1Alex Kotch,000,000 to the [[Illinois Policy Institutehttps://www.exposedbycmd.org/2022/05/24/right-wing-families-bankroll-most-extreme-gop-candidates-nationwide/ Right-Wing Families Bankroll Most Extreme GOP Candidates Nationwide]]*$200,000 to the [[Institute for Humane Studies]]*$50''ExposedbyCMD'',000 to the [[Intercollegiate Studies Institute]]*$300March 24,000 to the [[Landmark Legal Foundation]]2022.*$200David Armiak,000 to the [[Media Research Center]]*https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2022/04/15/megadonor-uihleins-pac-spends-5-million-in-first-quarter/ Megadonor Uihlein’s PAC Spends $50,000 to the [[National Legal and Policy Center5 Million in First Quarter]]*$100,000 to the [[National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation]]*$10''ExposedbyCMD'',000 to Pro Life Action League*$200April 15,000 to the [[Federalist Society]]2022.*$10,000 to the [[Heartland Institute]]*$20Alex Kotch,000 to the [[Heritage Foundation]]*$1,251,390 https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2022/02/22/billionaires-bet-big-to the [[Jack Miller Center]]*$200,000 -influence-2022-elections/ Billionaires Bet Big to the [[Leadership Institute]Influence 2022 Elections]*$300,000 to Think Freely Media*$50''ExposedbyCMD'',000 to Turning Point USA*$100February 22,000 You Can Run But You Can't Hide International 2022.