Rep. Dahl defends acceptance of campaign contributions from casinos
Staff reporter
State Representative Don Dahl of Hillsboro was among those listed as receiving campaign contributions from northern Kansas casinos.
Reported in Friday's edition of the Wichita Eagle, Dahl received $1,600 from 2001 through 2005.
The list of contributors included Harrah's casino company and Prairie Band Pottawatomie, and Sac & Fox.
Dahl also was among those who signed a letter to Sedgwick County Commission that opposed a proposed county referendum on gambling.
The representative of District 70 publicly opposed a casino in Marion County.
When Dahl was contacted for comment, he said he did join a group of conservative representatives from South Central Kansas who opposed a non-binding referendum regarding a Sedgwick County casino.
He also noted a commissioned report by Wichita Downtown Development Corporation that showed the social impact to Wichita and Sedgwick County should a casino be located in Wichita.
"If a casino were to be placed in Wichita, it would be about 10 times the amount of revenue received by the local government," said Dahl. "The effect on the surrounding counties, including Marion County, would be exceedingly troublesome, especially since they would not receive any tax revenue from such a casino."
Dahl said he did not have a copy of his contributions and expenditures report with him in Topeka but figured $1,600 during a 10-year period wasn't so bad.
"Spread out over 10 years, that is $160 per year," he said. "This last year I returned $500."
He continued that it is the "political season."
"If one takes money from the gambling promoters and votes with them, then the representative is 'on the take'. If one take money from promoters and votes against them, then the representative is a hypocrite. My record stands for itself. I have always opposed gambling in the state. I think it is wrong for any elected official at any level to initiate or promote any activity that has the potential of harming any citizen.
"Because of the support received in South Central Kansas for a casino and the unlimited resources of the gaming establishment, I anticipate the construction of one in Sedgwick County within four years," Dahl said.
