DCI questions donations (to Culver) from casino supporters

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DCI questions donations from casino supporters

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is examining whether an Iowa company aligned with a casino proposed for Fort Dodge made improper contributions to Gov. Chet Culver's re-election campaign, a state official and a target of the investigation have confirmed.

The key players are Dubuque-based Peninsula Gaming and three Fort Dodge casino supporters who made the contributions to Culver.

Spokesmen for Peninsula Gaming and the three contributors said nothing improper occurred. Spokesmen for Culver's administration and campaign said neither Culver organization has done anything wrong.

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Steve Daniel, one of the contributors facing DCI scrutiny, said Peninsula Gaming paid him and two partners $25,000 for their work on the license application process and for approaching the company as a potential backer. Campaign finance records show that the three gave $25,000 to Culver's campaign late last year; Daniel says they have since given another $5,000. Daniel insists there is no link between the payment and contributions.

...snip...

The investigation comes as the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is planning to rule May 13 on applications from Webster County and three other communities pursuing new casino licenses. It also comes as Culver, who is facing a difficult re-election challenge this year, has publicly urged the commission to approve all four licenses.

Any body else getting a little concerned about the upcoming election?