Sunday, November 09, 2008

MotorCity Casino Lobbying Activity reported to be a fraction of Competitors' Spending

Of the various affiliates under the Ilitch Holdings, Inc. umbrella, we can find just two that are registered to lobby in Lansing: Detroit Entertainment, LLC and Detroit Tigers, Inc.

Detroit Entertainment LLC (DE LLC), the company that owns MotorCity Casino (MCC), is registered as a Lobbyist in the State Capitol. Rhonda Cohen, MotorCity’s COO, is recorded as the lobbyist’s signatory.

Cohen reported lobbying expenses of $20,900 in 2007; and just $6,750.00 so far for 2008. That's less than 10% of the lobbying expenses reported by MotorCity Casino's two competitors.

Cohen also records that DE LLC employs three firms as its lobbyist agents. Two of the three are among the top 100 lobbyists/agents in Lansing:
By contrast MotorCity Casino’s competitors have far out-paced the Ilitch gaming hall in lobbying expenses.

MGM Grand Detroit reported spending $124,946.50 in 2007 and $94,325.00 already in 2008. Las Vegas-based MGM Mirage is also registered as a Lansing Lobbyist but reported no expenses in 2007 or 2008. Both entities report employing two lobbying/law firms to represent their additional lobbyist agent needs: Dickinson Wright PLLC and Public Affairs Associates, Inc. (ranked #4).

Greektown reported lobbying expenses of $61,400.00 in 2007 but has spent just $2,400.00 so far this year. Greektown employs seven individuals and three larger firms as its lobbyist agents including Cusmano Kandler & Reed Inc. (ranked #17), Dykema Gossett PLLC (#65) and Scofes & Associates Consulting Inc. (ranked #20).

Michigan Campaign Finance Network: Michigan’s Top 200 Lobbyist 2007

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