At least $182,550 -- Includes 1992-96 campaign contributions

• Search Idaho gambling contributions from 1992-96

June 9, 1997

The Gem State has a state lottery, pari-mutuels, charitable bingo, and Indian casinos run by the Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai, Nez Perce, and Shoshone-Bannock tribes. Two years ago, the Coeur d'Alenes also announced a telephone lottery, which would be based on the reservation but accessible nationwide through 800 lines. Immediately, they received negative response from 11 attorneys general, and the venture has been tied up in court ever since. But the Coeur d'Alenes didn't just wait around for the resolution: this May, they launched a national U.S. Lottery on the Internet.

The Idaho Secretary of State's Election Division makes itemized reports of campaign contributions and expenditures, as well as lobbyist listings, available online in downloadable formats. An analysis of state elections data by the Western States Center shows that gambling interests gave at least $182,550 to Idaho candidates and PACs in the last three election cycles, from 1992 through 1996. You can further explore the financial influence of gaming interests with the MoJo Wire's searchable database of these contributions.

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