In 2009, gaming lobbyists made 2,224 political campaign contributions to Massachusetts candidates totaling over $358,000 – ($156,350 – came from lobbyists representing interests outside of the state and $70,500 came from lobbyists representing Indian gaming interests). This lobbyist political money doesn’t reflect other bundled contributions or those made directly by their gaming clients to Massachusetts politicians.
Out of state investors and Indian gaming means less money stays in Massachusetts. And who are the top recipients, again, of casino lobbying money?
The winners are Senator Therese Murray, Lt. Governor Tim Murray and Governor Deval Patrick. The losers will be the people of the Commonwealth expecting to maximize the potential benefits of legalized gambling revenues.
Senator Therese Murray received $8,674. Of these contributions 77 percent came from lobbyists representing Indian or out-of-state gaming syndicates.
Governor Deval Patrick and Lt. Governor Tim Murray pulled in a combined $13,150, like Senate President Therese Murray the vast majority came from lobbyists representing Indian or out-of-state gaming syndicates.
And the Democratic leadership political PACs controlled by Murray and the Governor received another $11,830.
It's nothing new. The casino and the politicians have been doing this for years.
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