Billionaire Ken Griffin Puts His Money Behind Presidential Candidate Marco Rubio

By Kate Shepherd in News on Dec 10, 2015 10:15PM

Facebook.com/MarcoRubio

The richest man in Illinois is throwing his political support and cash to Sen. Marco Rubio's (R-Fla.) presidential campaign.

Chicago-based Citadel CEO Ken Griffin told CNBC that he believes Rubio will be the next president of the United States.

"I think that Marco Rubio has the vision of where America needs to go," he said to CNBC when asked why he chose to support Rubio over his GOP primary rival Jeb Bush.

Griffin's political contributions have played a huge role in Chicago and Illinois politics. He donated $5.5 million to Gov. Bruce Rauner's campaign and offered him the use of his private plane. Griffin also helped bankroll Mayor Rahm Emanuel's reelection campaign, donating more than $1 million to political organizations that supported the mayor, according to the New York Times.

His support is considered so important that he already spoke to Rubio on the phone Wednesday morning telling him, "I'm supporting you not just because you can win, but because I believe in the values that you represent."

"Senator Rubio is uniquely qualified to lead our nation with conviction and courage to tackle the pressing issues of our time, whether it's strengthening our military, ensuring the safety of our people, or lifting the weight of government from our shoulders in everything from free enterprise to health care," Griffin said in a statement.

Before he announced his endorsement, he'd already donated $100,000 to a Political Action Committee (PAC) supporting Rubio and $100,000 apiece to PACs for Bush and former candidate Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.), according to NBC5.