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Wealthy Gingrich Backer Sheldon Adelson Says Newt Is ‘At the End of His Line’

Seventy-eight-year-old billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has pumped millions upon millions of dollars into New Gingrich’s campaign by way of the Winning Our Future super PAC, but it appears he’s finally through writing those checks. Adelson spoke informally (but on video) to a small group yesterday at his hotel and casino, The Venetian, and said he believes Gingrich is “at the end of his line” with respect to his chances of winning the GOP nomination. Apparently Adelson has spent enough time in a casino to figure out odds. He also had some words for Romney and Santorum.

I know Rick [Santorum]. I like him. We’re friendly,” Adelson said. “But I got to tell you something, I don’t want him running my country.” Adelson lamented that Santorum is too caught up in social issues.

The billionaire doesn’t sound like he’ll be lining up to support Romney, either. Romney is “not the bold decision maker like Newt Gingrich is,” Adelson said. He went on to explain that every time he posits a question to Romney, Mitt basically waffles and says he’ll think about it, or he’ll get back to him, unwilling to commit to a position. “Everything I’ve said to Mitt — ‘Let me look into it.’”

Gingrich himself may be coming to terms with the end of his campaign, although he won’t come right out and say it. The Washington Times reports that Gingrich “met secretly” with Romney on Saturday, “but explicitly said he hasn’t been offered a position in a potential Romney administration in exchange for dropping out.” Gringrich’s campaign debt is over $1 million, but he said there is no talk to have Romney’s donors handle that, either. That might not be his call: Gingrich bowing out may have been beneficial to Romney in the recent past, but at this point, his presence is negligible.

There is no agreement of any kind,” Gingrich insists, “and I plan to go all the way to Tampa.” Adelson, at least, won’t be paying his way.

This post has been updated throughout.

Newt Gingrich Is ‘At the End of His Line’