Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, accompanied by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, shakes hands along the rope line during a campaign rallyin Westerville, Ohio.
At a campaign stop in Ohio today, golf legend Jack Nicklaus introduced Mitt Romney to the crowd, saying the Republican would return the country to "the America we were."
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Nicklaus, an Ohio native, is not the first famous supporter the Romney campaign has highlighted this election, but he is the first famous athlete. In general, athletes donate less to politics than other celebrities such as musicians and actors, but several have bucked the trend this election.
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Here's a list of 12 famous athletes who've thrown money into the presidential race or other campaigns in the 2012 election cycle:
Jack Nicklaus--The Golden Bear and his wife Barbara have given nearly $22,000 to Republicans this cycle, including $2,500 to Mitt Romney, $2,500 to House Speaker John Boehner, and about $8,000 to the Republican Party.
Michael Jordan--His Airness hosted a $20,000-per-person dinner for President Obama that raised $3 million last month. Jordan also gave the $5,000 maximum to Obama.
Vince Carter--The greatest dunker of all time hosted his own fundraiser for the president this year, and has given $5,000, the legal maximum, to President Obama.
Kristi Yamaguchi--The graceful figure skater has been bipartisan with her contributions. She has given $2,500 each to Romney and Obama this cycle.
Peyton Manning--The Denver Broncos's new quarterback hasn't contributed to the presidential race, but did give $2,500 to Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee and $1,000 to Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana last year.
Carmelo Anthony--In addition to playing in the "Obama Classic," a basketball game for Obama supporters featuring several NBA players, the New York Knicks star has contributed the $5,000 maximum to the president.
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