Gambling contributions total over $1 million

For immediate release
November 26, 2002

Contact Catherine Turcer
Ohio Citizen Action
(614) 263-4111

COLUMBUS -- Ohio Candidates and political party committees received over $1 million from the gambling industry and proponents, according to a report released today by Ohio Citizen Action. Current members of the Ohio General Assembly received a total of $220,525. Speaker of the House Larry Householder alone received $38,550. Political party committees received $685,926.

"It may not be a coincidence that right after the election a video slot machine bill was put on the fast track, " said Catherine Turcer, campaign reform director for Ohio Citizen Action. "The gambling industry lives up to their name. They invested over $60,000 in vocal opponent Governor Taft."

Top organizational contributors to candidates and Ohio political party and caucus committees --

  1. Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association $152,550
  2. Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association $111,650
  3. Northfield Park $47,568

Top contributors to Ohio’s Republican National State Elections Committee from proponents of gambling --

  1. Stanley Fulton, Anchor Gaming Las Vegas, NV $500,000
  2. Stephen Wynn, Wynn Resorts Las Vegas, NV $49,000
  3. Larry Ruvo, American Gaming Association Las Vegas, NV $5,000

Gambling on the legislature examines contributions from 1999-2001 and those available so far for 2002. 2002 numbers may not reflect all contributions. Pre-General filings include contribution information through October 16. Candidates who are "term-limited out" and those who were not up for re-election (half the Ohio Senate) may have received contributions but are not required to file 2002 information until January.

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Ohio Citizen Action is Ohio's largest consumer and environmental organization, with 100,000 dues-paying members. A non-profit, non-partisan organization, Ohio Citizen Action was founded in 1975.

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