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FBI Questions Slots Figures, Maryland Lawmakers

MARYLAND – As reported by the Washington Post: "Federal investigators have interviewed top Maryland lawmakers, including the speaker of the House of Delegates, as part of a preliminary inquiry into political fundraising by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr.

"FBI agents also have questioned lobbyists, members of the state's racing industry and others in Annapolis in recent weeks about Miller's role as chairman of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, a fundraising arm of the national Democratic Party.

"According to those who have been interviewed, investigators are trying to learn details about $225,000 in donations given to Miller's committee by Joseph A. De Francis, an owner of the Pimlico and Laurel Park thoroughbred racetracks. The FBI also is asking broader questions about the possible expansion of legalized gambling in Maryland and whether political contributions have influenced that debate.

"Del. Howard P. Rawlings, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said he was interviewed by two FBI agents last month. He said they wanted more information on how lawmakers developed a proposal earlier this year to legalize slot machines at four racetracks, including De Francis's two properties.

"…The FBI opened its preliminary inquiry into De Francis's donations to Miller's committee in June but has not disclosed details about the nature of the probe.

"An inquiry is an interim step taken before the FBI decides whether to launch a full-scale criminal investigation.

"…De Francis is one of the biggest donors to Miller's national committee, trailing only a handful of labor unions and national corporations. The committee promotes Democratic control of state legislatures nationwide, but it spent an estimated $450,000 in Maryland during the last election -- more than in any other state…"

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