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Opposition raises money in Nebraska
August 5
In Nebraska, a group that is
attracting big name contributions, including that of
Congressman Tom Osborne and billionaire Warren Buffett, is
turning up the heat against expanded gambling.
Petitions to put expanded
gambling before Nebraska voters have already been turned in,
and so has the price tag for how much it is expected to cost
both sides to rally for and against the issue.
In support of the issue, the
coalition Keep the Money in Nebraska, states that so far it
has already raised $1.26 million, less the expenses for the
actual petition process.
The opposition group,
Gambling with the Good Life has only raised a mere $79,000
since June.
Because of the lack luster
amount of money raised by the opposition, it is thought the
big name donors, Buffett and Osborne, are in place showing
support for the opposition in order to draw more attention
to the issue.
Warren Buffett has added his
endorsement to the opposing party by donating a personal
check to the tune of $10,000. He is said to joining the
group's leaders. Warren, a long time vocal advocate opposing
gambling revenue as a source for government. This donation
was his first such donation to the group.
Congressman Tom Osborne, a
former well known Nebraska football coach, has also donated
a check for $5,000 to the opposition.
In November, there are two
gambling measures expected on the ballot. One measure is to
legalize two casinos in Omaha, including approximately 4,900
slots and the other measure, which was passes by the
Legislature this past spring, is for two other casinos
anywhere in the state.
Though the opposition is
stepping up their campaign, those in favor of the expansion
include some rather substantial donations. $350,000 from
Community Lottery Systems, who operates keno in various
parts of Nebraska has been donated. Coast Casinos is another
contributor, also kicking in $350,000, as well as the
Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Assoc., who gave
$250,000 in favor of the expansion.
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