Indian Gaming > Kansas lawmakers criticized for taking gaming money

January 20, 2006

Kansas lawmakers criticized for taking gaming money

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.

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