Column: Rep. Ryan lobbies BIA on Menominee casino

Wednesday, March 8, 2006  

"So much money, so few key Wisconsin politicians.

Having given pretty much all they can legally to Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, Kenosha businessman Dennis Troha's clan has expanded its horizons.

And who is the lucky recipient of this largess from the family that hopes to rake in tens of millions in casino profits?

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan.

Last year, the rising Republican star received $31,700 from Troha, family members and a couple of his associates. They can afford it - Troha told state officials last year that he is worth $33.7 million.

"I think he throws money to everybody," said Ryan, a Janesville Republican.

But not everyone goes to bat for Troha in his bid to convert the Dairyland Greyhound Park in Kenosha into an $808 million, off-reservation Indian casino."

Get the Story:
Cary Spivak & Dan Bice: Casino promoters place side bet on Ryan (The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel 3/8)