Pennsylvania Campaign Contributions Need Further Regulation

This year has started to show the real power of casino and gambling lobbyists. In Penssylvania, where groups are debating whether to give out slot machine parlor licenses, pro-gambling lobbyists have given more than $750,000 in contributions.

All the money came in a 5-month stretch of time when the General Assembly was considering the changes in the law that would allow slot parlors.

Last year Pennsylvania outlawed contributions to political leaders from slot parlor owners or prospective slot parlor owners, however there has been money pouring in from lobbyists and lawyers into campaign coffers and some lawmakers ar evying for new restrictions they feel are urgently needed.

A group of senators would like to see at least some of the money pipeline closed off -- specifically, contributions from lobbyists for gambling interests. House Speaker John Perzel, R-Philadelphia, meanwhile, would be willing to consider barring attorneys and other professionals from making political contributions that draw from fees paid by gambling-industry clients, an aide said.

"Our concern is the public perception of the campaign contributions," said Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny. "It's the public perception of the connection of the gaming entity to the lobbyist and the lobbyist to the politicians, and we're trying to sever that connection."

August 20, 2006
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com    Previous Page | Internet Gambling | Top Online Casinos | Submit News!