New York City developer is the largest contributor to South Carolina's legislative campaigns this year – giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to candidates from Fort Mill to Charleston.

Howard Rich, a 68-year-old multimillionaire, is one of the nation's leading advocates for private school tax credits and limited government spending.

He's targeted South Carolina to give campaign money to like-minded candidates, with the eventual goal of passing legislation granting private school tax credits. He has no S.C. ties.

Rich and 30 limited liability corporations he owns contributed $442,000 to 37 legislative candidates in South Carolina through July 10, according to an Observer analysis of campaign contributions.

Based on his 2006 contributions, he's likely to give more this fall.

A national network of associates – with direct links to Rich-related organizations such as U.S. Term Limits – contributed an additional $150,000 to the same candidates.

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