Wednesday, May 22, 2013

CA Democrat Sen. Ricardo Lara QUICKLY CANCELS Out of State Fundraiser

Wow! That was FAST.  Looks like SHAMING works sometimes.  Guess we better follow how and where he gets this money recouped, don't you think?


A planned Station Casinos-hosted fundraiser in Las Vegas on behalf of a California lawmaker was abruptly canceled Tuesday after a Sacramento newspaper raised questions about the timing of the event, which would take place before a vote over an Indian casino project. 

The fundraiser, which included rooms at the Red Rock Resort and tickets to an Ultimate Fighting Championship event Saturday, was to benefit California State Sen.Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, and the Latino Caucus Leadership PAC. Eight Sacramento lobbyists were to fly to Las Vegas for the weekend.

Lara canceled the plans Tuesday after the Sacramento Bee reported on the fundraiser. He declined comment to the Bee. His office released a statement saying the event had been planned for more than a year.

The newspaper questioned the timing. Station Casinos is lobbying the California Legislature to approve a compact with the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians for a casino development near Fresno. Station Casinos has a management contract to operate the casino once the project is built.

“The unpredictability of our legislative calendar has created an unfortunate case of coincidental timing,” the statement said.

The $3,000 tickets to the fundraiser for Lara and the PAC included two receptions, entrance to the fight and accommodations at the Red Rock. Station Casinos and UFC owner Zuffa donated tickets, food and hotel rooms for the event.

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