I don't know if Ross knew what kind of can of worms he was openning when he posed his initial question, whether the other candidates supported casinos and whether they were supported by special interests that stand to benefit from casinos. In this campaign, where the voters have often had a hard time distinguishing one candidate's positions from the other (though certainly all four have their own style), it seems from the way the question was posed that Ross was simply trying to point out one of the few substantive differences between himself and the others.
After Flaherty gave his “this horse has left the barn” speech, an audience member pointed out that he didn't answer the second part of the question. The first question from the moderator thus turned into a follow up on the campaign contribution side of Ross' original seemingly benign question.
Flaherty's reaction: “I don't have any person or interest associated with casinos supporting me.”
So, my question is, does Tim Flaherty not know or not care?
A cursory scan of contributions to his campaign reveals more than a dozen names of lobbyists, lawyers, race track executives and other individuals “associated with casinos,” who have contributed at least $2,900 to Flaherty's campaign. Sure, the man has raised a bit of money – most of it outside the district, I would note – so maybe he really just doesn't know. But if so, then stating outright “I don't have any person or interest associated with casinos supporting me,” seems like a horrible blunder, especially for an experienced trial attorney.
Then maybe he doesn't care. He did conclude his answer by saying that he doesn't need the job (of senator), the implication being that campaign contributions won't sway him. (I find it interesting, by the way, that BMG picked up on this part of his answer and not the forceful – angry? – unequivocal denial.)
So, just because Tim Flaherty doesn't care about where his money comes from doesn't mean that we shouldn't.
In today's column in the Globe, Joan Vennochi writes: “The push for expanded gambling in Massachusetts comes from racetrack operators, out-of-state promoters, and other gambling interests. If they haven't made their case yet, that should tell Patrick something important. It's a shaky case for everyone but them.” No matter what Tim Flaherty would have us believe, casinos are not a foregone conclusion.
Can you provide links, facts, and figures? That would be most helpful. Thanks.
The author of this post claims to know a lot about who’s associated with casinos — for me, a “cursory scan” of Flaherty’s (or anyone else’s) contribution records wouldn’t be enough to figure out who was a pro-casino person and who wasn’t (unless they list their occupation as “casino lobbyist” or something).
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So, please, if you’re going to toss around allegations like these, back them up. Name names — OCPF records are public.
three donations from “Raynham Race Track.” Not over a dozen, not $2900, not from casinos. So who knows?
Here's a breakdown by entity and their association with the casinos:Carney Family/Raynham Race TrackAccording to Boston Herald the family is openly wooing the Wampanoags for the casino to be located at Raynham race track. (http://www.indianz.c…)Contributions to Tim Flaherty:07/30/07 Chris Carney 1958 Broadway Raynham, MA 02767 $500.00 Executive Raynham Race Track07/31/07 Thomas Carney 81 Church Street South Easton, MA 02375 $250.00 Executive Raynham Race Track08/08/07 George Carney P.O. Box Raynham, MA 02767 $500.00 Executive Raynham Race Track————–McDermott, Quilty & MillerWilliam McDermott is the lawyer for the Wampanoag Tribe (http://www.bostonher…)Contributions to Tim Flaherty:08/08/07 Valerie Barsom 21 Custom House Street Boston, MA 02110 $200.00 Attorney Self-Employed (note: McDermott, Quilty & Miller)08/14/07 William McDermott 21 Custom House Stret Boston, MA 02110 $200.00 Attorney Self-Employed (note: McDermott, Quilty & Miller)————–Greenberg Traurig LLPGreenberg Traurig is associated with Jack Abramoff and was hired by Wampanoags to lobby on their behalf (http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/headlines/2006/01/12/abramoff_scandal_may_derail_wampanoag_ca)Contributions to Tim Flaherty:07/23/07 Robert Sherman 54 Gray Road Needham, MA 02494 $150.00 (note: Greenberg Traurig)07/30/07 John Stefanini P.O. Box 2311 Framingham, MA 01703 $200.00 Attorney Greenberg,Traurig LLP08/02/07 Deanna Larkin 11 Winchester Street Boston, MA 02116 $200.00 Attorney Greenberg,Traurig LLP————–Donoghue, Barrett & SingalDonoghue, Barrett & Singal are lobbyists for the casino (Aquinnah Wampanoag Gaming Corporation) (http://www.sec.state…)Contributions to Tim Flaherty:07/31/07 John Murphy 1 Beacon Street, Suite 1320 Boston, MA 02108 $200.00 Legislative Agent Issues Management (note: Donoghue, Barrett & Singal)07/31/07 Nancy Farias 1 Beacon Street, Suite 1320 Boston, MA 02108 $100.00 Donoghue, Barrett & Singal08/14/07 Thomas Cremin 1 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02108 $200.00 Legislative Agent Issue Management (note: Donoghue, Barrett & Singal)————–Quinn & MorrisQuinn & Morris are lobbyists for the casino (Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribal Council, Inc.) (http://www.sec.state…)(http://www.sec.state…)Contributions to Tim Flaherty:08/23/07 Peter O'Neill 141 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111 (note: Quinn & Morris) 08/22/07 Christopher Koczela 115 Harvest Lane Bridgewater, MA 02324 $100.00 (note: Quinn & Morris)
What do you think of the other candidates in the race?
Looking at the OCPF report I see some donations from Greenberg Traurig – the folks who brought us Jack Abramoff.
Kos has some fun stuff on that here
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Greenberg Traurig is a massive law firm with offices all over, including Boston. I just learned this now, but apparently Tom Reilly works there. http://www.gtlaw.com/people/biography.aspx?id=7904
I think it's a bit unfair to say they “brought us Abramoff.” The Republican Party — specifically Tom DeLay, Ralph Reed, and Grover Norquist — brought us Abramoff.
I have said repeatedly that anyone who says they're not swayed by contributions is kidding themselves and you. I found that line totally unconvincing last night.
against contributions he’s received from anti-casino entities?
According to the South Coast Times Tim Flaherty's father is employed as a lobbyist by Suffolk Downs:
According to the Cape Cod Times, Charlie Flaherty is one of the key players in the fight to bring casino gambling to Massachusetts:
Flaherty, another high-profile Statehouse lobbyist, was House speaker until he resigned in 1996 after pleading guilty to a felony tax evasion count and civil ethics charges. He has represented Suffolk Downs with zeal. Whatever the final gambling proposal turns out to be, Flaherty will fight for expanded gaming rights at the East Boston thoroughbred track.