In the today's (02.14.07) Port Huron Times Herald Story, "Stabenow to support area casino project" it is reported:
It's no suprise that Shields seizes the moment to heap praise and shine the spotlight on Senator Stabenow and Rep. Miller. Shields is publicist for Mike & Marian Ilitch as well as Michael Malik. The Ilitch Family and Malik invested heavily in Stabenow and Miller. In fact, Stabenow benefited from $113,000 the Ilitch Family directed toward her re-election -- They directed more money to Stabenow than to any other candidate's re-election.
Miller received $75,000 from the Family -- she was #2 on their list of political benefciaries. In fact, The Ilitch Family and Malik contributed nearly 50% of all the funds Miller's "special" political committee raised (80% of all the non-PAC contributions she raised). Detroit is outside of Miller's district (Michigan's 1oth).
Both politicians received money, nearly $200,000 total, from The Ilitch Family and Malik for the first time after they introduced bills to approve a casino for the Bay Mills Indians in Port Huron.
If Shields has confidence that Sen. Harry Reid's not going to block their plans; perhaps it is because his clients have directed at least $22,000 to Reid since he last blocked Stabenow's bill.
Shields' spin sounds good at first pass, but in fact his reasoning and analysis are flawed.
Yes it's true that the Democrats took over the Senate and yes it's true Stabenow got a couple new assignments. BUT ... Stabenow was ranked #93rd most powerful among her colleagues (#39 among Democrats) in October 2006 by Congress.org after serving six years in the Senate. Congress.org did not expect much movement for her even if Democrats took control. After all, only 1/3rd of the Senate was up for re-election and that resulted in 10 new members (10%). Maybe Stabenow moves up to #80th most powerful member, not a lot of clout to push through an "off-reservation" bill giving the Bay Mills Tribe a third casino 350 miles from its reservation in Port Huron. There are too many national implications to such a gift.
Unfortunately, the precdents set by such an action for Indian Country far outweigh the economic development needs of Port Huron. Malik and company are cruel when they dangle the casino carrot in front of a struggling community knowing the odds are likely too much to overcome.
Too many across the U.S. oppose a move like this, including communities who don't want gambling and fear the precedent this sets, are working against this scheme, and dozens of others just like it around the country.
NOTE: This post pushed enough buttons with Tom Shields that he left his “cut & paste” boilerplate protest in comments below. Here are other posts that prompted his comment as well...
The deal still requires congressional approval, but several attempts to obtain it have been blocked. [Senator Debbie] Stabenow introduced a measure five years ago that was stymied by U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.
Tom Shields, a spokesman for casino developer Mike Malik, said he has been told Reid, who became Senate majority leader last month, has dropped his opposition. Shields also noted Stabenow, who won a second term in 2006, has gained political clout with the Democratic takeover of Congress.
"We've appreciated her support from day one," he said. "With the new Congress, we hope she can bring final approval to the land claim."
He also praised U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township, for her efforts to push the project through the House.
It's no suprise that Shields seizes the moment to heap praise and shine the spotlight on Senator Stabenow and Rep. Miller. Shields is publicist for Mike & Marian Ilitch as well as Michael Malik. The Ilitch Family and Malik invested heavily in Stabenow and Miller. In fact, Stabenow benefited from $113,000 the Ilitch Family directed toward her re-election -- They directed more money to Stabenow than to any other candidate's re-election.
Miller received $75,000 from the Family -- she was #2 on their list of political benefciaries. In fact, The Ilitch Family and Malik contributed nearly 50% of all the funds Miller's "special" political committee raised (80% of all the non-PAC contributions she raised). Detroit is outside of Miller's district (Michigan's 1oth).
Both politicians received money, nearly $200,000 total, from The Ilitch Family and Malik for the first time after they introduced bills to approve a casino for the Bay Mills Indians in Port Huron.
If Shields has confidence that Sen. Harry Reid's not going to block their plans; perhaps it is because his clients have directed at least $22,000 to Reid since he last blocked Stabenow's bill.
Shields' spin sounds good at first pass, but in fact his reasoning and analysis are flawed.
Yes it's true that the Democrats took over the Senate and yes it's true Stabenow got a couple new assignments. BUT ... Stabenow was ranked #93rd most powerful among her colleagues (#39 among Democrats) in October 2006 by Congress.org after serving six years in the Senate. Congress.org did not expect much movement for her even if Democrats took control. After all, only 1/3rd of the Senate was up for re-election and that resulted in 10 new members (10%). Maybe Stabenow moves up to #80th most powerful member, not a lot of clout to push through an "off-reservation" bill giving the Bay Mills Tribe a third casino 350 miles from its reservation in Port Huron. There are too many national implications to such a gift.
Unfortunately, the precdents set by such an action for Indian Country far outweigh the economic development needs of Port Huron. Malik and company are cruel when they dangle the casino carrot in front of a struggling community knowing the odds are likely too much to overcome.
Too many across the U.S. oppose a move like this, including communities who don't want gambling and fear the precedent this sets, are working against this scheme, and dozens of others just like it around the country.
NOTE: This post pushed enough buttons with Tom Shields that he left his “cut & paste” boilerplate protest in comments below. Here are other posts that prompted his comment as well...
- · Malik, Hollywood Park, Commerce Club round up cash for Sen Wiggins sponsor of SB 157
· Barstow Casino Billboard - picture's worth a thousand words
· PR flack denies Malik's suddenly a top contributor to Senator authoring SB 157, a bill to approve client's Casinos
1 comment:
The lies, misinformation and misrepresentations on this blog are too numerous to mention and don't deserve the time it would take respond. Someone has obviously spent a lot of time and money in an attempt to malign the character of the people being attacked here. It's no wonder the author is anonymous.
If you want the truth and the facts about the Barstow Casino resort project, the Shinnecock Tribe or the Port Huron Casino Resort proposal...you won't find them here. Go to barstowcasinosandresort.com or contact me at toms@mrgmi.com. We won't hide behind some anonymous blog.
Tom Shields
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