The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics ran the numbers on victorious Tribune suitor Sam Zell and calls him a political contributor who gives generously to both Democrats and Republicans. "Double-giving is exceedingly rare in this super-partisan period of American politics," says communications director Massie Ritsch. Since the 1990 election, Zell and his family have given $181,500 to federal campaigns, parties and PACs, 49% to Democrats and 47% to Republicans. In 2004, he gave $2,000 to John Kerry and $2,000 to George Bush. He and his wife have given money over the years to most of the 2008 presidential race’s frontrunners: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama but also John McCain, Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani. Zell's personal donations since 1990 have gone 62% to Republicans, 35% to Democrats. In contrast, Times Publisher David Hiller gives mainly to Republican Party candidates and causes. Here is the detail on Zell.

* Update: CRR re-ran the numbers and made some adjustments, reflected above.

Also: Zell is at home in Malibu. LA Biz Observed