Todd Ricketts to replace Steve Wynn as RNC finance chairman

By Debra J. Saunders Review-Journal White House Correspondent

7 years ago

Then-President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with Todd Ricketts at Trump’s National Golf Club Bedminster clubhouse in Bedminster, N.J, Nov. 19, 2016. The Republican National Committee selected Ricketts as its next finance chair, replacing casino magnate Steve Wynn, who resigned over the weekend over sexual misconduct allegations. (Carolyn Kaster/AP, File)

Casino resort developer Steve Wynn speaks at the Hospitality Design Exposition and Conference at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Thursday, May 4, 2017. (Elizabeth Brumley/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @EliPagePhoto

WASHINGTON — The Republican National Committee has chosen a new finance chairman to replace Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn, who resigned Saturday after a published report linked him to several complaints of sexual misconduct.

The new chief fundraiser will be Todd Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs. Like Wynn, Ricketts is a billionaire, but in a change of demographics, Ricketts is under 50.

“His incredible leadership and proven track record of results will continue to grow support for our party and ensure we have the resources needed to deliver Republican victories in 2018 and beyond,” RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said.

“I have wanted to be helpful to President (Donald) Trump and the Republican Party since our successful 2016 elections,” Ricketts said. “Serving as the Republican National Committee’s Finance Chairman is the perfect opportunity.”

The RNC’s executive committee voted unanimously Wednesday to confirm Ricketts as finance chairman. The full RNC will vote to formalize the pick on Friday.

“He’s certainly a capable fundraiser,” GOP consultant John Weaver said earlier this week. Ricketts’ age and the family’s independent streak make the pick “a healthy indicator for the party.”

Trump had nominated Ricketts to be deputy commerce secretary. But Ricketts, a TD Ameritrade board member, pulled his name from consideration as he wrestled with the Office of Government Ethics.

Ricketts’ name also was mentioned as a candidate to become president of the conservative Heritage Foundation. The Heritage board chose Kay Cole James, a former director of the Office of Personnel Management.

In 2016, Trump threatened the Ricketts family after he learned that Todd Ricketts’ mother had given $3 million to a super PAC that ran negative ads about him. Then-candidate Trump tweeted, “I hear the Ricketts family, who own the Chicago Cubs, are secretly spending $’s against me. They better be careful, they have a lot to hide!”

On Wednesday, Trump sounded more conciliatory. “Todd will be a great addition to the Republican National Committee, and I couldn’t be happier he is lending his tremendous leadership to our party,” Trump said.

Contact Debra J. Saunders at dsaunders@reviewjournal.com or at 202-662-7391. Follow @DebraJSaunders on Twitter.