"In 2007, the same people promoting the casino today began work that led to the 2010 ballot measure. Under the names of “Good for Oregon Committee, One”, “Good for Oregon Committee”, and “Good for Oregon 1” (name modification occurred frequently during the life of these groups), they raised and spent around $12,000 from 2006 to 2010 to bring Measure 75 to the ballot in November 2010. During the general election, under the simplified name of “Good for Oregon” they spent over $1.5 million, only to be rejected by voters 68%-32%. All of that money came from a single source: Clairvest Group, of Toronto.

The treasurer for all 4 “Good for Oregon” committees was Bruce Studer of Lake Oswego, one of the two Oregonians fronting this project. More about them later.

Where it was easy to know where the money came from in 2010 — Clairvest — in 2012, we can only assume they are backing the campaign. Media reports cite the Clairvest; no one has any doubt that they are the deep pockets, the only pockets, in this gig. After all this is a major part of what Clairvest does: finances casinos and related operations. The problem is: Clairvest has not contributed a reportable penny since 2010.

In Clairvest’s place in this election cycle we have two other entities: Portland Entertainment Group and Oregon Entertainment Center. In 2012, the two organizations combined to finance the initiative petition process to the tune of over $1 million — and all but $10,000 of that in-kind. The committee responsible for the initiative petition drive was “Vote Yes for Oregon Jobs & Schools”, and they received that lone cash contribution to cover rent, insurance and legal assistance. All of the work to get the 100,000+ signatures required to get M82/83 on the ballot was done by PEG and OEG — a million bucks worth of services reported simply as “in-kind”. And yes, Studer is the treasurer for this committee.

Get the Story:
Gambling on a casino. Part 3: Funding: Who is behind these measures? (Blue Oregon 9/14)

Also Today:
Grand Ronde Tribe Promotes "Vegas-Style" Gambling, Decries "Vegas-Sized" Grange (Williamette Week 9/14)

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Opinion: Taking a gamble on a non-Indian casino in Oregon (9/14)