Mitt Throws Money at Former Critics

Mitt Romney has been lining the coffers of conservative groups whose support he'll be seeking in his presidential bid. Late last year, just two months before he announced his candidacy, Romney gave five-figure personal donations to four Massachusetts groups, David Kirkpatrick of the New York Times reports—groups to which he had never contributed before.

The donations raise conflict-of-interest flags and raise questions about what role Romney’s personal fortune, which the Times estimates at $500 million, will play in the election. (More Mitt Romney stories.)