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Indiana Senator to Sit Out on Gambling Vote

INDIANA – As reported by the Kokomo Tribune: "State Sen. Jeff Drozda said Tuesday he plans to recuse himself from voting on gambling legislation coming before the Indiana General Assembly, one day after a media report disclosed a financial link between Drozda and the state's top gaming lobbyist.

"Drozda, R-Westfield, is a partner in DC Consulting, a public relations firm hired in January to work on behalf of Centaur Inc., the company which owns part of the Hoosier Park horse track in Anderson.

"Last year, Centaur spent more than $389,000 lobbying the state legislature on various gaming issues, according to the Indiana Lobby Registration Commission. In particular, the firm was active in pushing a failed attempt to allow slot-like gaming machines at Indiana's horse tracks.

"Drozda told the Indianapolis Star last week his firm was hired to purchase advertising in Colorado to encourage the public to use a parkway that provides access to a hotel/casino complex Centaur owns there.

"…State law only forbids legislators from voting on bills which would result in a direct financial benefit. Nothing prevents a legislator from voting on a bill which would result in a financial benefit to a client, although Drozda said he would recuse himself under those circumstances…"

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