This issue has been raised earlier by bloggers on this site, but The Eagle published a news article today noting how much money Sedgwick County lawmakers have received from northeast Kansas casinos (click here to see list). The article particularly focused on the 19 area lawmakers who signed a letter to the Sedgwick County Commission last summer opposing a local advisory vote on casinos. One commissioner told The Eagle’s editorial board at the time that the local lawmakers basically threatened that if the county held the vote, the delegation wouldn’t help them on any other legislative issue. Turns out those 19 lawmakers have received nearly $44,000 in campaign donations since 2001 from these tribal casinos (which don’t want the competition of a Sedgwick County casino). There is no evidence that anyone changed his or her vote because of these campaign donations. But many in the public are likely asking: If gambling is so bad, why accept their money?
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
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19 Comments
What a bunch of sanctimoneous hypocrits these so-called moral legislators are. They claim to be morally opposed to gambling while all they are really doing is protecting the monopoly of their benefactors. They should all be held accountable for their actions.
There are some interesting parallels to the Abramoff case – he also worked both sides of the casino issue.
But….but…Ben…as Les Donovan was quoted in the paper, donations don’t buy votes.
And yep, I believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the existence of fred phelps soul….
“The article particularly focused on the 19 area lawmakers who signed a letter to the Sedgwick County Commission last summer opposing a local advisory vote on casinos.”
Please also print how many of these same hypocrites also voted in favor of the hate amendment because “people have a right to vote on important issues” as your own Bonnie Huy said.
Of course all the money from existing Kansas casinos went to people who dont support new gambling. Did any of them get money from tribes that wanted to start competing casinos? Must have been reward money.
Good dogs. Here’s a cookie.
Interesting how none of the Kool-Aid conservatives have posted here.They can dish it out, but they sure can’t take it…
Just so you are not disappointed and wish to hear from a Kool-Aid conversative I will post. Why is this even a concern? Sure the tribal casinos would contribute campaign contributions to candiates that would be against casinos in other areas. Do lawmakers that would support casinos gain support from groups that want to place a casino here? If they do is that bad? Are we assuming the lawmakers are morally opposed to gambling, or have they just not bought into the myth that it will solve all our financial woes? Maybe they understand the associated costs will exceed any benefit.
Kool aid conservative?? What in the world is that, some new version of a lemonade stand?
“Why is this a concern?”Because of the way the 19 of them threatened the County Commission if they allowed an advisory referendum on casinos in Sedgwick County. Some of the remarks made by Brenda Landwehr and others were one step short of…well, I won’t go there, but I guess anything’s okay if you have enough money and/or your politics are correct.”Do lawmakers that would support casinos gain support from groups that want to place a casino here? If they do is that bad?”No, at least they’re–heaven forbid–honest about it.”Are we assuming the lawmakers are morally opposed to gambling, or have they just not bought into the myth that it will solve all our financial woes?”Well, since they’re conservatives, doesn’t that mean it goes straight from God’s mouth to their precious ears?The bottom line is that they believe it is their devine right to dictate to the rest of us, and in this case, the emperors appear to have no clothes.
Ray, “Kool-aid etc.” is a term that’s often used for blind followers of an ideology. It’s based on the idea that “they’ve drunk the Kool-aid,” a reference to the cult of Jim Jones, who committed mass suicide by drinking cyanide-laced Kool-aid.
Are you guys advocating that legislators sell votes? Because if you claim that they can accept money only from those with which they agree, then that is what you are saying. Have these guys taken money from other interests that they don’t agree with. Or is it possible that the Indians gave to these legislators because they liked their stance on gaming? Which came first? And don’t critisize all these guys on the moral grounds point. Several have never opposed casinos on moral grounds. Instead they have said they see don’t see it as an economic benefit, and worry what it might do to small business. And lest any of only trust the Eagle. There are anti gaming Dems who have accepted the same money. However, they don’t draw the ire of the paper. By the way, does it say on the checks it was casinos or does it say it was one Indian Nation or another? Do Native Americans have the right to petition the government and donate to pols, or should we shut them out? What about other monies received from interests that these conservatives might not always agree with; should they refuse that money also? Is there a certain % of agreement that any of you would suggest? The article doesnt mention money from Dog Track Phil or Casino Bob, but the reports sure do, meaning some of these guys accepted it from both. I bet when Dole returned money to the Log Cabin Repubs you libs said he insulted them and should have kept it. And last, be careful. Be very, very, careful. This is a slippery slope. Will you all be supporting these standards if a dem, mod, or lib, has accepted money from a cause they oppose. You might want to look at who has received money and kept money from pro-life and pro marriage casues, not to mention the NRA.
Those 19 Legislators will be easily re-elected next year.
But I did think it was interesting that Mayor Mayans actually had something to say about it. He expressed concern that the rest of the State is trying to shut Wichita out from having one and he (although quite mild) did lash out on the area legislators.
But Farm Girl is right though. They (Conservatives) said “let the people choose” when it came to the Gay Marriage Ban Amendment, but expanding gaming? Nope!
They only want the people to vote when it comes to “their” issues. But issues they appear (in front of church congregations) to be against, let us not trust the people and not allow them to vote.
They know the voters will pass it. Although they said “people in my district said they don’t want expanded gaming”
Oh Really? Is that just the people who are calling you and writing letters or did you actually take a vote?
But these politicans will take money from anybody, even strip joints and adult bookstores if they had PAC’s.
Joe brings up an interesting point when he speaks of the marriage amendment. Several of these 19 legislators, and many others for that matter, have advocated for the only vote that matters. The vote of which I write is required before gaming can be expanded in Kansas. The Eagle won’t report it, but the Kansas Constitution must be amended to allow for casinos that are not state owned and operated. The amendment that allowed for the lottery contains this language. They (the legislators) do support that. Or I should say that several that I talked with do. The agruement and people’s reaction change when we talk about whether they want the state to own and operate a gambling establsihment. Curious what you bloggers think of that.
Marty,Nice try.Good point that too many legislators accept money from interests they oppose.That’s why you should ask Democrats what happens to their hearing if I find out they’ve accepted contributions from the Kansas Cable PAC.That’s what EVERYONE should do when one of their elected representatives accepts a political contribution they don’t agree with.
The Eagle is biased. Take a look at a real fair and balanced report from KAKE 10. http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/2227667.html
“Or is it possible that the Indians gave to these legislators because they liked their stance on gaming?”
Marty, I want what you are smoking. Yes, I think those tribes already operating casinos DO AGREE with the stance of these right reverend legislators. The tribes dont want competition, and the legislators want to appear ever so pious to get the money and the blessing of the conservative right.
I mean really Marty, what would Terry and Joe say if their legislators voted to expand gambling or even put it to the vote? They have to look like they have their people under control or the other little preachers in the state wont play with them.
Isnt it interesting that as a state, we are morally opposed to gambling unless its revenues can be used to avoid a tax increase. Then it doesnt seem quite so immoral. Good agility.
Kansas…as hypocritical as you think.
I see the two Wichita dems who received gaming money got a speck compared to the logs of loot the R’s drug home. Gaming interests must have needed to spread the “taint” around a bit.
But if it REALLY becomes a bi-partisan scandal, I say we throw all the bums out and send an emergency call to Diogenes. Surely an honest candidate can be found somewhere.
I wonder what will take up the most time in the legislature this year? Will it be gambling, queer hating, or school finance and medicaid reform? Wanna bet they spend 3/4 of the session on the first two so they can come back again for an expensive special session on the last two. First things first ya know.
I agree with Ksfarmgrrl. This is great to have a list, but I want more.I want the list of how everyone voted on the hate amendment. Isn’t there a website for the school board that shows their voting history?
I’d like to point out that not one of the Democrats who took donations signed the letter.
I think the eagle should have listed how long each of the legislators on the list have been in office. Some who have been there for years, like Flaraty, have only a few dollars. Those who have been there only a short time have many, like Watkins.
Check their church affiliations, truthiness. I think that has more to do with it than their length of time at the trough. Follow the money. It will take you to the answer every time.
Let’s see now, Special interest groups, lobbyists, etc. giving to politicians to get their way. Not exactly new or groundbreaking news here. It is the way political business is done. “You scratch mine and I will scratch yours.” Legally run businesses trying to keep the competition at a minimum. Not exactly a new thought there also. If it was a construction firm trying to get a nice, juicy gov. contract people would applaud their business sense. Say it’s the American way and all that! One last thing before I go. Why do people insist that the casinos give away (extra taxes) money that they legally earned? Do we take extra away from other businesses? A casino is a business folks, and what profit they show should be theirs to do whatever they feel is right.