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Minnesota Anti-Casino Fliers Draws Criticism

MINNESOTA – As reported by the Twin Cities Pioneer Press: "Political activists across Minnesota are receiving a glossy, full-color flier in their mail urging them to sponsor resolutions in precinct caucuses next week opposing any state-sponsored expansion of casino gambling.

"The mailing, which was sent to about 60,000 members of the Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor parties in advance of Tuesday's caucuses, is the work of David Strom, the president of the conservative Taxpayers League of Minnesota.

"An offshoot of the Taxpayers League paid $25,000 to $30,000 to produce and mail the flier, Strom said Wednesday.

"House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, who supports putting a state-owned casino at the Canterbury Park Race Track in Shakopee, criticized the flier and called it evidence of the power of Indian tribes' money.

"…Indian tribes, which enjoy a monopoly on casino gambling in the state, contribute about 5 percent of the Taxpayers League's $1 million-plus annual budget, according to Strom.

"But Strom denied those contributions played any role in the Taxpayers League's opposition to state-sponsored casino gambling.

"…Strom said the new group that produced the mailing — Citizens Against Gambling Expansion — received no direct contributions from tribes…"

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