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Massachusetts campaign contributions report released30 May 2008BOSTON. Massachusetts -- As reported by the Boston Standard-Times: "A report released by Common Cause Massachusetts Thursday said gambling interests gave state lawmakers nearly $1.5 million in campaign contributions between 2002 and 2007 to try to persuade them to approve casinos or slots parlors. "Gambling companies also paid $8.2 million in lobbyist salaries between 1998 and 2007, according to the report, entitled 'The Role of Money in the Campaign to Expand Legalized Gambling in Massachusetts.' It was researched and written by Karla J. de Steuben, an attorney and board member of Common Cause Massachusetts. The House defeated Gov. Deval Patrick's proposal to license up to three commercial casinos last March, despite a whirlwind of lobbying on Beacon Hill. House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi opposed the casino bill. "...In 2007 alone, gaming interests spent $1.5 million on lobbyists. Gaming industry executives also gave $63,000 in campaign contributions to elected officials that year. "Gambling lobbyists, who generally have a broad array of other clients, contributed $258,000 to state lawmakers in 2007, according to Common Cause's review of state records..." |