The man behind the curtain: Richard Mellon Scaife - and $200 million of his money - is the man behind the conservative revolution. (heir to the Mellon family millions funds three rightwing foundations)

Oil and banking heir Richard Mellon Scaife comes from a long line of philanthropists. Granduncle Andrew donated his extensive art collection to the American people, and built the National Gallery in Washington to house it. Mother Sarah favored health care and education. As for Richard, he has continued the family tradition -- with a twist. Scaife is one of the biggest, and in all likelihood the biggest, financier of right-wing causes in America.

Much of the money Scaife inherited from his Mellon ancestors has gone to the campaigns of individual politicians. But Scaife…