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North Carolina Gambling Industry Political Donations Surge25 September 2001RALEIGH, North Carolina – Sept. 25, 2001 – As reported by the Associated Press: "Campaign donations by video poker interests have surged over the past four years, a campaign finance watchdog group said Monday, calling the contributions a sign of things to come in a lottery fight. "Candidates in statewide and legislative races received $417,874 for the 2000 elections from donors connected to the video poker industry, according to Carrboro-based Democracy South. "…Democracy South, which supports tougher campaign finance laws, said the influx of video poker industry money - although a small percentage of millions raised by candidates - has the potential to corrupt the political system. The industry is on track this year to generate $100 million in revenues from the state's estimated 10,000 legal machines. "…Gov. Mike Easley got the most money from donors related to the industry, his campaign taking in $124,224 since December 1997, Democracy South said. "While Easley was attorney general, his campaign arm received $21,900 in industry-related contributions in a six-month period after Easley's office issued an advisory opinion in November 1997 on a video poker law, the report said. A sharp reduction in poker machine seizures followed the opinion. "In a 1999 interview, Easley denied any connection between the fund raising and his office's opinion. "…A hearing on a lottery bill is tentatively set for next week in the House. Easley has been pushing a lottery, with net income going to education initiatives…" |