In addition to his vast business empire, Davis has extensive interests in politics, making four consecutive appearances on the Mother Jones 400. But in Democratic circles, Davis and his wife Barbara are regarded as much for their impressive skills as fundraisers as they are for their deep pockets. Last September, less than a week after Hillary Clinton and her Senate campaign foe, Rick Lazio, reached an agreement to limit the use of soft money in their campaigns, Clinton arrived at the Davis' Beverly Hills home for a dinner party. According to the New York Times, seats at the table cost $5,000 per couple; the hosts themselves sent Clinton back to Chappequa with $50,000. All in all, the evening is believed to have bolstered Clinton's coffers by almost $1 million.

Less than a month after the generous party, President Clinton agreed to appear as the guest of honor at the Davis' annual Carousel of Hope ball to raise money to fight diabetes. At the last minute, the president sent a videotaped message to be played at the event along with word that he would be unable to attend. The Davises were not amused. "There are 25 people in our family between Marvin and I, our children, and grandchildren," Barbara Davis told the New York Daily News. "I said to the White House person, 'You are now talking to 25 new Republicans.' But I was sweet when I said it."