Sports figures choose teams in 2012 elections

By Frederic J. Frommer

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Jan. 2 2012 1:45 a.m. MST

FILE - In this May 25, 2010 file photo, New York Giants co-owner Jonathan Tisch gestures during a news conference in Irving, Texas. A host of owners, executives, athletes and coaches from across national football, baseball, hockey and basketball leagues are donating to _ or supporting in other ways _ candidates in the 2012 presidential and congressional elections. At the same time, both the NFL and Major League Baseball have political action committees that are funded primarily by each sport's owners and executives. But for now, at least, they haven't weighed in on the presidential race, choosing instead to contribute only to members of Congress and the parties' congressional fundraising arms.

Tony Gutierrez, File, Associated Press

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Summary

The New York Giants and New York Jets share an NFL stadium, but their owners don't share political views.

WASHINGTON — The New York Giants and New York Jets share an NFL stadium, but their owners don't share political views.

Woody Johnson of the Jets is a top fundraiser for GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney, while Giants co-owner Jonathan Tisch is a generous backer of President Barack Obama and Democratic causes.

They're among a host of owners, executives, athletes and coaches involved in this year's presidential and congressional elections.

Johnson has donated to Romney's campaign, his political action committee and several Republican Senate candidates. The Jets owner is in charge of Romney's fundraising for money-rich New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Tisch donated the legal maximum $35,800 to the Obama Victory Fund, with the money split between Obama's campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

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