"There’s a lot of money in the gambling business. Heck, a casino license is akin to a license to print the stuff.

As a result, those in the gambling business and those trying to get into the business lavish small fortunes on politicians who are in positions to help them. And often, the politicians deliver.

Case study No. 1: Indian gaming tribes contributed more than $190,000 to the winning gubernatorial campaign of Gary Johnson in 1994. Just weeks after taking office, he signed the first state-tribal agreements to legalize casino gambling on Indian land.

Case study No. 2: The horse-racing industry, those trying to get into the business and their lobbyists gave more than $467,000 to the successful gubernatorial campaign of Bill Richardson in 2002. Not long after taking office, he allowed a new racetrack and casino in Hobbs. The license went to a partnership of Richardson campaign contributors."

Get the Story:
Thomas Cole: Downs Deal Smells Of Money (The Albuquerque Journal 11/26)

Related Stories:
Katherine Gorospe: No respect for Laguna Pueblo's casino bid (11/17)
Laguna Pueblo sends plan to operate casino at fairgrounds (10/25)