Neal proposes eliminating gaming contributions from politics

Friday, Sept. 11, 1998 | 9:07 a.m.

Neal, who lost the Democratic nomination for governor in the Sept. 1 primary to Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones, said the casino industry has too much influence in Nevada politics.

Neal, who got no casino industry support in his campaign for governor, received 16 percent of the vote compared with 60 percent for Jones, who was backed by the industry.

"I'm saying gaming should no longer have a voice in the political process," said Neal, who will return to the Legislature in 1999 to complete his four-year term. "I have no problem with that, but I assume gaming will object."

Harvey Whittemore, a top lobbyist for the Nevada Resort Association, said it's unlikely the proposal will be well-received in the Legislature because it unfairly targets one industry for restrictions.

The casino industry has contributed to candidates in both parties so casino executives can get their message out to the voters, he added.

Neal also has requested a companion measure that would allow candidates to provide 400-word statements for inclusion on sample ballots to help candidates get their messages out to registered voters.

The cost of printing statements on the sample ballot would have to be paid for by the candidates: $1,000 for statewide offices and $400 for local races.

These two changes in combination would encourage the public to become more involved in the political process, Neal said.

"Gaming is based on a game of chance and I don't think the people of this state should see their lives determined by a game of chance," Neal said. "Our lives have to be based on principles more definite than that."

Neal said his proposal to ban contributions is based on similar legislation in New Jersey that has been upheld in court challenges. The industry-specific restrictions can be established because casinos operate with a privileged license granted by the state, he said.