I think that Donkel funds himself.  I haven't pried into his business affairs, but I gather that his is a Florida based, family owned company that, among other ventures, buys oil leases and contracts out the drilling.  I consider his comments to be that of a persistent salesman, who is too often repetitive and somewhat unimaginative ... but what more can you ask of someone who has apparently little more (just guessing) than a high-school education, and has pulled himself up by his own bootstraps?  And among his barrage of words, he does seem to make a couple of good points which could possibly be of some benefit to Alaska.  His mother is really pleasant to talk with, (and she has a good sense of humor) and they certainly sound very much "All American".  Very sociable, not uppity at all.  I think that they would make good neighbors.