What Influence is Gaming on Lawmakers?
There’s no doubt the gaming industry makes campaign contributions. Especially, this year with a big election only weeks away. But when do those contributions cross the line between helping a candidate get elected and influencing the way they do their job as a lawmaker?
District 53 representative, Bobby Moak has served 24 years in the state legislature and is sitting chairman on the house gaming committee. According to campaign finance reports he’s required to turn in to the Secretary of State’s office, Moak has received several thousand dollars worth of donations from casinos and their employees…both in and out of state. Do these donations buy influence with Moak? Representative Earle Banks who is vice chair on that committee says no.
“I think Bobby Moak has done a tremendous job in making sure that gaming does not take advantage of Mississippi or it’s citizens,” said Banks.
And Moak’s records show that’s definitely not the only place he receives donations.He’s raised over 140 thousand dollars in his bid for re-election. Moak sent Wlbt this statement from his Bogue Chitto law office.
“The House Gaming Committee does not regulate the industry, we make policy. The Mississippi Gaming Commission regulates the casinos.”
WLBT
10/16/7
Magnolia Tribune
