Billionaire Jeff Greene to Run for Senate

So what if Mike Tyson was his best man, and Heidi Fleiss his galpal

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 30, 2010 9:54 AM CDT

(Newser) – Billionaire investor Jeff Greene launched what promises to be a rather colorful campaign for Florida's Democratic Senate nomination today, depicting himself as an outsider who isn't beholden to anyone. “I won’t take a penny of special interest money in this campaign or after I am elected—never!” he declared in his kick-off YouTube video. “In fact, I won’t take a contribution over $100 from anybody.”

“ I've taken on Wall Street, made bold investments, and had incredible success” he boasted. He didn't mention that most of those investments were bets against subprime loans, Politico notes. He has other baggage, too. “They will attack me for my friends and my past,” he says. “Some of it's true, but none of it matters.” Friends? Past? Well, Mike Tyson was the best man at his wedding, and he spent a year living with Heidi Fleiss, the Huffington Post reveals. He also ran for office once before—as a Republican.

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Jeff Greene launches his candidacy in this YouTube screenshot.

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Jeff Greene's campaign launch video. (youtube.com)

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Billionaire Jeff Greene to Run for Senate