$1 million contribution to Corbett would have been illegal - if it had not been laundered

[JPZenger]

http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-adelson-corbett-campaign-20140611,0,167625.story

Sheldon Adelson is the primary shareholder of the Sands Casino empire. Almost $1 million of Adelson's money ended up in the Corbett for Governor Campaign. However, State law makes it illegal for owners of gambling companies to make political contributions to PA. politicians. That a law was intended to avoid political corruption, because the state has so much control over the gambling industry. This contribution occurred while a major political fight is underway about whether state law will allow internet gambling.

However, because the money was first funneled through the Republican Governor's Association, who then gave it to Corbett, the Repubs are saying everything is perfectly legal.

They are also using the Governors Association to launder fracking money, so that the names of individual frackers do not show up on Corbett's official list of contributors.

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Phila Inquirer article

http://articles.philly.com/2014-06-11/news/50482223_1_sheldon-adelson-the-rga-corbett

Excerpt:

"A POLITICAL-action committee set up to help Gov. Corbett win re-election received nearly $1 million from a billionaire casino investor barred from making political contributions in Pennsylvania. The Republican Governors Association reported receiving $1 million for its federal political-action committee on Dec. 31 from Sheldon Adelson, CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corp.

The group immediately moved $987,844 of Adelson's money into its "RGA Pennsylvania 2014 PAC," according to a state campaign-finance report filed Jan. 31.

Pennsylvania's gaming law prohibits casino owners in the state from making contributions to candidates for state office or political-action committees in Pennsylvania."

Return the money, Tommy.

[Leme]

1. sadly that is how politics are now controlled, money from a->b->c-> politician or

to ads/position papers that "support" the political position of the candidate...or oppose those of the opponent.

[yeoman6987]

2. Very slippery

However, Sheldon did give the money to the Republican Governor Association. Would we rather that money go to Walker? I would rather the money go to a Governor who is going to lose anyway. Walker could use that money to help win a third time....no thank you. The money down the drain is better.

[Leme]

3. well, from my understanding

Sheldon wants gambling.. so he gives to PA
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Kochs want mining... they will give to Walker.
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there is no shortage of money when more money is to be made. or to prevent money loss in total.

[yeoman6987]

4. Pennsylvania already has gambling

i think they are wasting their money. If they want more gambling, they need to find a state that does not have gambling......Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania have gambling. Maybe New Jersey doesn't. I am not sure.

[Leme]

5. Sheldon wants internet gambling

Last edited Thu Jun 12, 2014, 10:28 AM - Edit history (1)

edit: apparently he want to influence a facet of gambling.. not that he wants internet gambling in this particular state

[yeoman6987]

6. Oh...thanks!

[JPZenger]

7. Actually Sheldon does not want internet gambling

Every other gambling entity in PA is pushing for internet gambling. Sheldon is opposing it. He said it is to protect minors, but I believe it is because his casinos are doing very well right now (unlike much of the industry) and he doesn't want the competition.

[Leme]

8. oh.. thanks... perhaps I was thinking of some other election he spent money on

[Leme]

9. my apologies, it seems I was in error ( he wanted to influence..just not as I stated)

[Pat Riot]

10. Let 'em throw all the money they want at this.

The ads are so stupid they're funny, and they aren't going to win unless they steal it.