A Detroit businessman who entertained a Pennsylvania legislator at last week's Super Bowl is one of three parties competing for a slots license in Pittsburgh. (Are you shocked?)
Don Barden hosted Pennsylvania Legislator H. William DeWeese of Green County in his luxury box at Ford Field. DeWeese says Barden is a "close confidant." (I'm sure he is)
DeWeese's involvement with Barden is attracting attention in Pittsburgh because of the legislator's role in determining the future of gambling in Pennsylvania.
DeWeese, the House Democratic leader from Greene County, appointed one member of the state's gambling regulatory board. He said he bought a game ticket at face value through the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He also said he paid for his own travel arrangements to Detroit, hotel room and food and drinks during the game.
"Since I paid for every nickel of hospitality, I am not in any way shy about saying I was a happy and jubilant fan along with Don Barden," he said.
DeWeese said concerns about his actions are "not substantive" because a licensing approval requires a qualified majority among the board's seven members.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is charged with awarding 14 licenses to operate up to 61,000 slot machines in the state.
Barden's companies own casinos in Las Vegas, Mississippi, Colorado, and a riverboat casino in Indiana.
"It's a football game," Barden said. "I'm going to leave it at that."
Well, I'm not.......
Hon. H. William DeWeese
222 Elm Drive Suite 101
P.O. Box 832
Waynesburg, PA 15370
(724) 627-8683
Fax: (724) 627-6043
Hon. H. William DeWeese
Room 423 Main Capitol Bldg.
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2020
(717) 783-3797
Fax: (717) 772-3605
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