Kansas lawmakers criticized for taking gaming money

Friday, January 20, 2006  

An analysis by The Wichita Eagle in Kansas found that 19 state lawmakers who signed a letter opposing an off-reservation casino took money from gaming tribes with on-reservation casinos.

The paper said the 19 lawmakers accepted a total of $43,650 from gaming tribes. Most of the money came from the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, whose leaders opposed off-reservation casinos before proposing one of their own, and Harrah's Entertainment, the tribe's gaming partner. Some donations also came from the Sac & Fox Nation.

A separate analysis by KAKE News found that the Potawatomi tribe made $200,000 in donations to state politicians since 2001. Harrah's donated $50,000. The top recipients were Republicans.

The lawmakers deny the money influenced their position on a proposed off-reservation outside of Wichita. The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska hopes to open a casino in Park City, whose mayor supports the idea.

Get the Story:
Opposed, but taking donations (The Wichita Eagle 1/20)
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Casinos Ante Up For Campaigns (KAKE News 1/20)