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Promotions Firm Sues Over Canceled Lottery Contracts

MINNEAPOLIS -- A St. Paul promotions company has filed a lawsuit claiming that its contracts were improperly canceled after the suicide of lottery director George Andersen.

In the lawsuit filed last week in Hennepin County District Count, Media Rare Inc. argued that the acting director of the lottery, Michael Vekich, lacked the authority to cancel its contracts. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages exceeding $50,000.

Andersen took a drug overdose in late January after spending 10 hours with auditors who were evaluating his management of the lottery. Gov. Tim Pawlenty appointed Vekich to replace him until a permanent replacement could be hired.

The Legislative Auditor issued a report Feb. 19 criticizing Media Rare's close relationship with Andersen and questioning the value of its promotional work for the lottery. Vekich decided to cancel the firm's contracts five days later.

Copyright © Las Vegas Sun. Inc. Republished with permission.

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