I saw this in Saturdays paper, and it totally floored me. I’m getting this from CNN
Lobbyists and executives for two firms with a chance to operate the state-run Keno gambling machines proposed by Gov. Ted Strickland have donated thousands of campaign dollars to the Democratic governor and his party.
Gee, I thought that Pay-to-play was a Republican thing. Not!
The money came from representatives of GTech Corp., the state’s current online gaming vendor, and Intralot USA, which has bid against GTech and a third firm for a new state contract for online lottery services that went out in October.
Now I wonder why they would do that, because they think it would help.
Ohio lobbyists for Intralot have donated about $30,000 to Strickland and the state party, while GTech representatives have donated about $28,000, according to state and federal campaign finance documents reviewed by The Associated Press. Scientific Games lobbyist Richard Hillis gave Strickland’s campaign about $2,200.
Most of the contributions from gaming entities to Strickland, who took office a year ago, came during his 2006 run for governor.
However, two Ohio lobbyists for Intralot, Philip Craig and Jacob Evans, donated a combined $9,000 to the Democratic governor in August and September of last year. Both men also lobbied for other clients at that time.
And if you ask them are they trying to get favor with the governor, well it really gets deep.
Craig said he supports Strickland monetarily because he supports him as governor, not because he’s hoping to get a leg up on any state contract.
“Anybody who would ever say that contributing to this governor puts them in a better position to influence this governor doesn’t have many discussions with Ted Strickland,” Craig said. “That isn’t going to happen. It hasn’t happened to my knowledge up to now and it isn’t going to happen in the future. We are blessed with one of the most honest people I’ve ever met in public life.”
Then why did you give him the money, Idiot. You must think Ohioans are pretty Damn stupid. Were not!
We need to throw both parties out and elect people who will serve us not their wallets.
TVFOH
The View From Out Here
[...] the Democrats are now using. Lots of good posts, but singling this one out. Also enjoyed this post on Keno/electronic gambling and the poster’s surprise that the support came from Dems. Peace Out – 3C Segnala [...]
It does raise questions and I am very disappointed that Governor Strickland is going against the clear message voters sent when it comes to wanting gambling in Ohio.