Liberal group files complaint against Sheldon Adelson

Keystone Progress, a liberal-leaning group in Pennsylvania, filed a complaint today with the state Gaming Control Board against Sheldon Adelson, CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corp., accusing him of making an illegal campaign contribution that benefited Gov. Corbett.

The group claims an Adelson contribution of nearly $1 million ended up in Corbett's campaign account, in violation of the state gaming law's prohibition of casino owners giving political contributions in the state.

Nathan Sooy, a Keystone Progress board advisor, filed the complaint with the Gaming Control Board's Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement.

"Mr. Adelson's contribution was massive, and strikes at the heart of why the political influence restrictions exist," Sooy wrote in his complaint. "I urge the board to act promptly.

Adelson, we reported last week, gave the Republican Governors Association $1 million on Dec. 31.  The RGA, chaired by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, immediately moved $987,844 of Adelson's money into its "RGA Pennsylvania 2014 PAC."

Ron Reese, a spokesman for the Las Vegas Sands Corp., called that an RGA mistake. He said the RGA had been advised that Adelson's contribution could not be used in Pennsylvania.

The RGA then transferred the money out of its Pennsylvania political action committee and said none of it had been passed along to Corbett's campaign.

The RGA Pennsylvania 2014 PAC has given Corbett $1.8 million, including $1.6 million in April.

Adelson owns 7 percent of the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem. His wife owns 16 percent. Another 18.6 percent is controlled by two trusts in Sheldon Adelson's name.