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Minnesota Legislators: Casino Donations Won't Affect Vote

MINNESOTA – As reported by the Minneapolis Star Tribune: "Legislators expected to cast key votes as early as today on Gov. Tim Pawlenty's latest casino plan received more than $12,000 in campaign contributions last year from gambling interests.

"DFLers on the House Taxes Committee got $6,950, mostly from Indian groups that fear the two casinos planned for Canterbury Park racetrack would compete with existing tribal casinos.

"Republicans on the committee got $5,150, mostly from Canterbury Park officers and their lobbyists, who are pushing for approval of the governor's plan.

"It faces a critical test in the Taxes Committee. Members from both parties on the panel said the contributions from gambling interests amount to a small share of all the money they raise, wouldn't influence their vote and reflect support for longstanding positions they've taken on gambling.

"…Under the governor's plan, one casino would be owned by Canterbury and another by the White Earth Chippewa Band, which has broken ranks with the Indian tribes opposed to the venture. The owners of each casino would get most of the revenues after prizes are paid out. The state would receive $150 million from each facility in licensing fees in the first two years and a share of future annual profits…"

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