Harold Simmons is a Texas-based billionaire and a leading Republican donor who supported John McCain in the 2008 presidential election. He is also close friends with Oprah Winfrey and has given at least $5 million to Winfrey's South African girl's school.Fox News: Oprah Took Millions From Obama Foe (December 2, 2008) Forbes magazine named him the #43 wealthiest man in 2007.Forbes: #43 Harold Simmons (December 2, 2008)
Simmons and the Republican Party
In 2008, Simmons was the only donor to the American Issues Project, sending $2.9 million to the project to run ads connecting Barack Obama with Bill Ayers. He was also a major donor to the Swift Boat Veterans, a group that is widely credited with ending Democratic candidate John Kerry's run for the presidency.Fox News: Oprah Took Millions From Obama Foe (December 2, 2008)
Simmons is currently under fire for exceeding his personal campaign finance donation limit in 2008 by $2.7 million more than is allowed under FEC guidelines. In 1993 he was fined for exceeding limits in 1988 and 1989.Fox News: Oprah Took Millions From Obama Foe (December 2, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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Born
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President and CEO of NL IndustriesBusiness Week: Harold C. Simmons (December 2, 2008)
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Chairman of the Board and CEO of Kronos Worldwide, IncBusiness Week: Harold C. Simmons (December 2, 2008)
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CEO, President and Chairman of Valcor, Inc.Business Week: Harold C. Simmons (December 2, 2008)
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Estimated compensation 2008
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Net Worth (2007)
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Education
BA, MA, University of Texas at AustinForbes: #43 Harold Simmons (December 2, 2008)
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Philanthropic gifts (2007)
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Spouse
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Family
