not just here in chicago but our nation s capital. i announce my candidacy for president of the united states. reporter: griffin s political contributions adding up to a whopping $25 million since 2001, according to cnn s review of state and federal election commission records. though most of his money has gone to republicans, he s also donated to democrats. including $430,000 to the chicago rahm emanuel fund. but giving to politicians is less like philanthropy and more like playing the stock market. after supporting mitt romney s failed bid for the white house in 2012 with a $1.5 million donation to his restore our future super pac, griffin is hoping for a better rate of return this time around with rubio. for more on our exclusive series on the richest political donors in america go to