Congressman John D. Dingell

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following comments about this morning’s Port Huron Times-Herald story linking Gambling Watch, a recently established “anti-gambling group” asking citizens to speak out against the opening of any new casinos in Michigan, to the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit.

“The good honest people who are calling my office and other offices asking elected leaders to oppose the opening of more Michigan casinos might not be so happy to find out they are doing the dirty work of people who make millions from legalized gambling. I strongly doubt that these citizens, who have legitimate and fair concerns, would be happy if they learn they are being used by people employing shady lobbying tactics reminiscent of Jack Abramoff. The Port Huron Times-Herald has done a terrific job shedding light on the potential Abramoff-like tactics of Gambling Watch and its “supporter” MGM Casino and I hope that at tomorrow’s House Resources Committee hearing we will hear from MGM about this dubious lobbying campaign.

“I will say it again – the people of Romulus approved a referendum supporting the opening of a casino in their community. It would be the only casino in my district. It would be run by a Native American tribe that has a legitimate land claim issue and that also operates a casino in Detroit. Clearly, that tribe is not concerned about the effect a Romulus casino would have on their Detroit operation. A leading economist found that a Romulus casino would NOT hurt the business of the Detroit casinos. In fact, it might help attract additional tourists to the region. I know that means little to those who oppose gambling, but there is a difference between those who oppose this casino for spiritual or philosophical reasons and those who are just greedy. I believe a closer examination will reveal that Gambling Watch – which appears to be well funded and well-organized so that it will appear to be a legitimate grassroots movement - doesn’t share those core principals. This is about money. The bottom line on this rascality truly is the bottom line.”}