Bluegrass Freedom Fund raised $3 million

DEMOCRATIC 527 GROUP GETS BIG MONEY FROM RACING INDUSTRY

The group that ran ads last fall calling for state government ethics reform while simultaneously ripping Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher, received most of its $3 million in funding from traditionally Democratic Party backers and horse racing and casino interests.

The Bluegrass Freedom Fund, which ran some of the most politically pointed and memorable TV ads of the 2007 governor's race in support of eventual winner Steve Beshear, filed its first financial report with the IRS late Thursday night just before the midnight deadline.

Keep in mind, the 527 groups have no contribution limits, so the financial report shows some pretty big numbers from a relative few sources. Here are the major contributors:

HORSE AND CASINO INTERESTS

• $1 million from William Yung, president of Northern Kentucky-based development company Columbia Sussex, which owns several casinos, including the embattled Tropicana Hotel and Resort in Atlantic City.
• $250,000 from Churchill Downs Inc., the horse racing track that is looking for a casino
• $250,000 from EP Acquisition in Louisville, which is owned by Ronald Geary, who owns Ellis Park in Henderson and also is interested in casinos.
• $125,000 from Turfway Park in Florence, which like Churchill Downs has expressed its interest to lawmakers
• $60,000 from Lexington Trots Breeders Association, which owns the Red Mile harness racing track
• $50,000 from Edward Allred of Os Alamitos, Calif., who owns Los Alamitos Race Course, who has apparently recently dropped out of a group seeking to get a racing license for a new track in London, Ky.
• $50,000 from W.S. Farish of Versailles who owns Lanes End Farm
• $50,000 from Tracy Farmer, the Midway investor and horse farm owner who staunchly backed Beshear
• $25,000 from Bruce Rimbo, president of Ruidoso Downs Racing in Ruidoso, N.M., who is still part of that group trying to get a track in London.
• $25,000 from Paul Blanchard, owner of Mountain Run Development of Albuquerque, who also has apparently dropped out of the group seeking a track in London.
• $10,000 from H. Greg Goodman, owner of Mt. Brilliant Farm in Lexington
• $10,000 from John Oxley, a horse breeder and owner from Tulsa, OK

DEMOCRATIC PARTY GROUPS

• $600,000 from the Democratic Governors Association in Washington, D.C.

UNIONS

• $200,000 from AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the national public employee union
• $50,000 from SEIU PEA International, the Washington D.C.-based Service Employees International Union
• $25,000 from the International Union of Operating Engineers in Washington, D.C.
• $15,000 from the Jefferson County Teachers Association in Louisville
• $5,000 from the Carpenters' Legislative Improvement Committee in Washington, D.C.
• $5,000 from the Plumbers Pipe Fitters & M.E.S. Local 392 PAC in Cincinnati

OTHER

• $250,000 from Phoenix Capital in Lexington
• $50,000 from Hideout of Lincoln County, LLC, of Palm Desert, Calif.
• $20,000 from the American Association for Justice in Washington, D.C.
• $25,000 from the Kentucky Justice Association, Inc.

So of the $3,150,000 raised by the Bluegrass Freedom Fund, $1,905,000 came from companies or individuals who have interests in the horse racing or casino industries, several of whom have appeared before a legislative committee looking into the issue of allowing casinos in Kentucky.

Some of the same names and interests also opened their wallets to other funds that benefited Beshear and his gubernatorial campaign, including Beshear's campaign fund, his inauguration committee fund and the Kentucky Victory 2007 committee -- a joint fund-raising group set up by the Kentucky Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee last spring.

- Ryan Alessi

Comments

[WakeUpKY!]

The Casino Lobby keeps saying, "Let the people decide, let the people decide!" But the reality is that they are trying to "BUY" off politicians and the people! Don't let them get away with it!! Their promises are hollow! They should provide disclaimers including "may wreck homes, may ruin careers, may increase crime", etc.! Why would any true "leader" try to foist such folly upon us?! Beshear has been bought and paid for!

Casino gambling belongs in the desert of Nevada, not in the Bluegrass of Kentucky!! Let Vegas stay in Vegas!

BESHEAR'S FOLLY is FOOL'S GOLD!! Shame on him, and shame on us if we fall for this scam!

[John]

Bluegrass FREEDOM Fund?! How about ENSLAVEMENT fund?! What a joke!! These guys are paying big bucks to buy off politicians and to get in our pockets!!

Is the entire Democratic Party selling out to the casino lobby, or just Beshear and his cronies?!

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

The HL post concerning the POLITICAL ASSISTANCE to Beshear and his quest to blanket our state with Casinos is a list of heavy hitters. Look at the amounts. And, to lead the list Mr. Yung. That now makes Yung's contribution, to gain favor, to certainly get attention. Not exactly a STEALTH MOVE.

Why on earth would anyone give one million dollars for political cause, unless the donor expects something in return. Same with all the other BLOODLINE DONORS.

I and others have spoken (blogged) of the huge amount of money that will be involved in this issue. And now we begin to

THE PROOF.

My concern is will the MEDIA, PUBLISHING COMPANIES, BROADCAST TV OWNERS AND OTHERS PUBLISH OR BROADCAST ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE MENTAL ILLNESS OF GAMBLING? If so how many words. (FEW AS POSSIBLE, IMO.)

We can't say yet, but remember this . . . LOUISVILLE IS HORSE COUNTRY, LEXINGTON IS HORSE COUNTRY. We will see how open and fair the journalist are in the coming weeks.

"I just wanna say!"

Jim Anderson Stivers
Frankfort, KY.

[NurseTeacher]

Good Job Again Ryan!! The people of Ky have a right to know this. Thanks for all of the hard work to imform us. Just more evidence we don't want those type people coming to Ky!

[Kelsey]

Now Hold On Guys. I know some of the people in the above list of big givers and most were just sick of Old Whats his name and what he was doing to ruin horse racing in Ky. They just want good government. And me also.
Kelsey

[Clint]

Here is a link that you might want to check out regarding how Mr. Yung runs a casino, straight from one he runs in Atlantic City:

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/top_three/story/7519838p-7419557c.html

Hoepfully he doesn't plan to run one in KY, but I guess the big Million he spent on our Governer's campain suggests otherwise.

[Ruin horse racing?]

And how, Mr. Kelsey, was Fletcher ruining horse racing? How can a governor ruin horse racing?

Kelsey is the part of the horse that comes across the finish line last.

[Kelsey]

Post 9;34, that is simple. He said he was King of Ky and Churchhill Downs would not have expanded gaming in his ky home, well the people spoke and they sent him home. If we do not pass expanded gaming, the state will be bankrupt, and our major income of horses will have to move out of Ky. Now that is how he tried to ruin horse racing.
Kelsey

[TJ]

What everyone should be looking at here is COORDINATION. The Bluegrass Freedom Fund now appears to be nothing more than a casino lobby. The same donors to this "independent" 527 group are the exact same donors to the Beshear campaign. And now the number 1 priority for the Beshear Administration is bringing casinos to Kentucky. COORDINATION...Republican Party...are you listening? COORDINATION!!
Funny thing is...this will all backfire. The Bluegrass Freedom Fund is now exposed as a disgusting one-issue joke. Go ahead Bluegrass Freedom Fund...run ads against all your opponents! You might as well hold coronation ceremonies for them now. If the Bluegrass Freedom Fund ran an ad against me...I would tatoo it on my forehead.

I agree with JAS...this was not a stealth move by the horse idustry and casino folks. Expect indictments from all this BS.

[Thomas]

Anyone have any totals for how much total was donated by casino and equine people to all of the different "Beshear" funds?

[Dboone]

Look at all those union dues! I'm especially happy today that I'm driving my Toyota to Wal-mart!

[drippingwithirony]

I'm sure these people don't expect casino permits in return for those large contributions that Jim Cauley says they (wink-wink) had no control over.

Just check out this story running across Ohio this morning and see if you think this 527 was just a big payoff in return for casino licenses:

Donors vying for contract
Firms that want to run keno game gave money to Strickland

BY JULIE CARR SMYTH | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLUMBUS - Lobbyists and executives for two firms with a chance to operate the state-run keno gambling machines proposed by Gov. Ted Strickland have donated thousands of campaign dollars to the Democratic governor and his party.

The money came from representatives of GTech Corp., the state's current online gaming vendor, and Intralot USA, which has bid against GTech and a third firm for a new state contract for online lottery services that went out in October.

Lottery spokeswoman Mardele Cohen said the contract did not specifically include keno, which the governor said Thursday could raise $73 million of the $733 million he needs to close a projected budget deficit.

"Could keno fall under this? Yes, it could, because it's a type of online (product)," Cohen said.

• Is keno a good bet for Ohio?
• Strickland on casinos

Rhode Island-based GTech, the Greek company Intralot and Georgia-based Scientific Games Corp. all submitted bids for a Dec. 20 deadline, Cohen said. The state hopes to award the contract by April.

GTech in 2003 bought Mason-based Interlott Technologies, which made lottery-ticket vending machines. It also sold off its one-third ownership of Turfway Park in Florence in 2005.

Ohio lobbyists for Intralot have donated about $30,000 to Strickland and the state party, while GTech representatives have donated about $28,000, according to state and federal campaign finance documents reviewed by the Associated Press.

Scientific Games lobbyist Richard Hillis gave Strickland's campaign about $2,200.

Most of the contributions from gaming entities to Strickland, who took office a year ago, came during his 2006 run for governor.

However, two Ohio lobbyists for Intralot, Philip Craig and Jacob Evans, donated a combined $9,000 to the Democratic governor in August and September last year. Both men also lobbied for other clients at that time.

Dan McCarthy, president of the Success Group, which lobbies for GTech, and his wife have donated a combined $21,000 to Strickland since late 2005. McCarthy also gave an additional $6,000 to the Ohio Democratic Party's federal campaign fund in that time, records show. McCarthy's firm also lobbies for multiple clients.

In addition, GTech senior vice president Donald Sweitzer gave the Ohio Democratic Party $1,500 last year through its federal fund, and Intralot lobbyist Byron Boothe gave the fund $2,000 in July. Sweitzer is a former political director of the Democratic National Committee.

Craig said he supports Strickland monetarily because he supports him as governor, not because he's hoping to get a leg up on any state contract.

"Anybody who would ever say that contributing to this governor puts them in a better position to influence this governor doesn't have many discussions with Ted Strickland," Craig said.

"That isn't going to happen. It hasn't happened to my knowledge up to now and it isn't going to happen in the future. We are blessed with one of the most honest people I've ever met in public life."

[Question?]

So how many other states under Democratic "RULE" are trying to get casino type operations in?

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

Oh, THE ARROGANCE OF MONEY:

Keep in mind; the 527 groups have no contribution limits, so the financial report shows some pretty big numbers from a relative few sources. Here are the major contributors:

HORSE AND CASINO INTERESTS
• $1 million from William Yung, president of Northern Kentucky-based development company Columbia Sussex, which owns several casinos, including the embattled Tropicana Hotel and Resort in Atlantic City.
•
• $250,000 from Churchill Downs Inc., the horse racing track that is looking for a casino
•
• $250,000 from EP Acquisition in Louisville, which is owned by Ronald Geary, who owns Ellis Park in Henderson and also is interested in casinos.
•
• $125,000 from Turfway Park in Florence, which like Churchill Downs has expressed its interest to lawmakers
• $60,000 from Lexington Trots Breeders Association, which owns the Red Mile harness racing track
•
• $50,000 from Edward Allred of Os Alamitos, Calif., who owns Los Alamitos Race Course, who has apparently recently dropped out of a group seeking to get a racing license for a new track in London, Ky.
•
• $50,000 from W.S. Farish of Versailles who owns Lanes End Farm
•
• $50,000 from Tracy Farmer, the Midway investor and horse farm owner who staunchly backed Beshear
•
• $25,000 from Bruce Rimbo, president of Ruidoso Downs Racing in Ruidoso, N.M., who is still part of that group trying to get a track in London.
•
• $25,000 from Paul Blanchard, owner of Mountain Run Development of Albuquerque, who also has apparently dropped out of the group seeking a track in London.
•
• $10,000 from H. Greg Goodman, owner of Mt. Brilliant Farm in Lexington
•
• $10,000 from John Oxley, a horse breeder and owner from Tulsa, OK

Bloggers observe this list. Not a factory, or farm worker, teacher or educator on this list!

Why?

It’s pretty simple--- the common man, without political connections-- can not make enough money to contribute to a 527 fund. The damn thing should be done away with.

Between the hundreds of lobsters that suck the blood from our government with their own special interest causes to buy a seat at the political table with their money the voice of the decanters is never heard by the members. Jeeze, we are not absolute idiots, maybe a little slow, but not absolute.

What is the income generated to our Commonwealth by ordinary people?

Here are the tax receipts for real estate in Kentucky. Mind you there is a long list of sources that the Commonwealth receives tax money, but since many, own some kind of property or real estate, here is what the Commonwealth generates from real estate taxes.

PROPERTY TAXES—REAL ESTATE
Fiscal Percent
Year Receipts Change
2005-06 $215,351,439 6.5

Over two hundred million from our property taxes was received in 2005-2006. If all of us paid our taxes and many do, or go to jail, then it would seem to me the 200 million figures would have less significance than the total money donated to the BLUEGRASS FREEDOM FUND. Or the special interest groups.

Where is the publics voice on this issue?

It is buried under a pile of checks from special interest groups.

Now if you add all the tax money up, it certainly is considerably more than what the special interest donates. And, yet with all this money from taxpayers, special interest groups get the favors from the government.

PARITY?

I don’t think so.

The issue of Casino gaming is the backbone of the current administrations efforts to raise more money. If this issue does not pass, then the current administration is in deep trouble.

The alternatives are increase in taxes, and tobacco is first because that is popular with the majority of those that do not, smoke, chew, puff or light up a pipe. And if that is their SIN,why such an increase, to such a small minority of citizens, that will pay this tax increase on tobacco????

What did the report predict over 200 million with a new increase in the tobacco tax?

WOW! THAT MEANS THAT A SMALL NUMBER OF OUR CITIZENS, WILL BE PAYING A NEW TAX INCREASE, THAT IS ALMOST AS MUCH AS THE STATE TAKES IN FOR REAL ESTATE? And, IMO, that is not fair regardless of the health issues on this subject.

Sure it is bad for you but that is an individual choice. Why then no tax increase on BEER, WINE, WHISKEY, VODKA, GIN? or BANKS?

Because . . . the LIQUOR LOBBY and THE BANKING LOBBY ARE STRONG, THAT IS WHY.

And, when it comes time, to speak for the people of the Commonwealth - - who shows up at the Capital? It is the Lobbyist and Special interest groups that’s who and - oh yes, 527 supporters. This makes the members of the General Assembly captive to the Lobbyist. And where are the citizens that may oppose new structure for various businesses?

WE THE PEOPLE ARE AT WORK! LET ME REPEAT THAT. WE, THE PEOPLE, ARE AT WORK!!!!

Because . . . because we don’t have time to hob knob with the members of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY and work too our voice is not heard. So, with money, entertainment and other favors, the public has lost its say in matters of Government. And yet, we pay over 200Million in property taxes alone.

Of COURSE this is not new information, but I ask you bloggers, when in the HELL ARE WE GOING TO STAND UP FOR OUR RIGHTS?

The only time we can is election time and with less than 50% of the citizens, even going to the polling places, that makes it easier for the politico to operate in this shadow of deceit.

Citizens, To DEFEAT THE CASINO ISSUE WOULD BE THE PERFECT TIME TO SAY TO OUR GOVERNOR AND MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

"We are sick and tired of this and we are not going to put up with it anymore!"

That would be the first step. But are our voices stronger than money?

“I just wanna say!”
Jim Anderson Stivers
Frankfort, KY.

[Sick and tired of this!]

Mr Stivers, that was soooo well said. Thank-you. If you want to tell us a time, place, etc, to come together to voice our concerns, just tell us. I work full time, and often will have difficulty getting off, but I am certainly willing to do whatever I have to do.

[JW]

Kesley, you're part of the horse industry? Since when is a jackass a horse?

[Elizabeth]

What I don't understand is why anyone expected anything any different from this.

If you look at the scandals in our recent past you see that alot of them come from a sense of entitlement held by people of priviledge. Pay-to-play is deeply engrained here, especially in the upper classes of Central Kentucky.

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

Elizabeth, Howdy! :)

Since I have seen so many transitions in life, I can attest, to what you have written. Yes, there has always been a big class difference in Kentucky. AS a state employee, I traveled the entire Commonwealth every county at least three times.

And, once you leave the pavement, real life and struggle begins. For the exceptions of our major population centers, people are satisfied to make a decent living, and not all do, but there understanding of money and prestige is not money, it is family values and spiritual feeling. I know there will be a lot of push back on this, but I can say from having travel to many cities that THE CITY CORRUPTS. Life if more simple on the other side of the pavement.

It is part of our life.And, has been since the beginning of humans, holding material things of great value . . . money is prestige. Then, there are many that are charitable among our affluent. But they get little exposure. They are out of the political loop.

This discussion has developed because it is the same people that want the Casinos, that have the most influence in our daily life.
And in the end are they not both the same with few exceptions but there are some.

All the time sources are working to try and undermine those that reasonably disagree. And if you look again at the source of the funds to our current Governor you can see who is willing to pay to play.

If this were a TRUE DEMOCRACY there would be a spirited open debate about the power of the lobby and the lack of power of the citizens. That is not likely to occur.

And it is definitely the KEEP LOBBY and THE CASINO LOBBY that is so very, very interested in this issue be approved. In this case one would call their gamble a win, win. The current administration gets a financial windfall off the back of the middle class and the size of the purse at the Racetracks goes up.

I ask you fellow bloggers look in the your email adrs book, and if a good rebuttal comes along, cut and paste it to people in your address book. If the word can spread by the simple pushing of keys, then why not try?

And if you have spirited friends, relatives, in your email adrs book, we just might see more spirited postings, and some worthy considerations.

"I just wanna say!"
Jim Anderson Stivers
Frankfort, KY.

[Preston]

Ryan... I'm sure you know this, but to really follow "contributions" you also have to start looking at money can be funneled through legitimate business ventures. In the 80's those who wanted state contracts were encouraged to buy horse partnerships. That included New York bondbrokers who were "shaken down" for, if I remember, over 800K in return for their companies getting the contract to handle state bonds.

The only thing that is going to stop this from happening again is the viligence and technical ability of the press.

[BP]

Hey ladies (and gentlemen),

I heard that the Womens' Missionary Union is doing an anti-gambling rally coming up next week. I will try to find more info. But that might be a good time for others to join in. JAS might be interested in putting something together...JAS???