Monday, June 20, 2011

2010 banner year for Mass gaming lobbyists & their pols

In 2010, gaming lobbyists made 2,875 political campaign contributions to Massachusetts candidates totaling over $460,000 – (The majority of which $246,160 – came from lobbyists representing interests outside of the state,).  These lobbyists were paid more than $2.6 million – the majority ($1,561,017) of which came from gaming interests outside the state of Massachusetts, followed by those promoting Indian gaming carve outs ($280,000).  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?  Governor Deval Patrick, Lt. Governor Timothy Murray and Senate President Therese Murray are among the top on the list for yet another year.  And again, they top the list for Indian and out-of-state lobbying interest money.

·        Senate President Therese Murray came in first again, Murray received $9,699.  Of these contributions 84 percent came from lobbyists representing Indian or out-of-state gaming syndicates. 

·        House Speaker Rob DeLeo, $9,550, of which 77 percent came from lobbyists representing Indian or out-of-state gaming syndicates

·        Lt. Governor Tim Murray received $7,825, like Sen. Murray, the majority of these contributions came from lobbyists representing Indian or out-of-state gaming syndicates.

·        Governor Deval Patrick received $6,900, of which 77 percent came from lobbyists representing Indian or out-of-state gaming syndicates. 

·        And the political PACs controlled by Murray, the Governor and DeLeo received another $12,850


The details are available at the Massachusetts Secretary of State or in this spread sheet.

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