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Sen. Ensign's Dad Withdraws Kansas Casino Bid
Mike Ensign, casino magnate and the father of Sen. John Ensign (R-NV), has reportedly dropped a casino proposal in Kansas.
The Associated Press reports that the group Ensign was working with, South Central Gaming Partners, decided to drop their proposal and instead back one by Foxwoods. The two firms had originally submitted competing proposals; now, Foxwoods' will go forward, along with that of a third developer.
An attorney for the Kansas Lottery, which is reviewing the proposals, said it was a business decision and that the lottery was not involved.
Mike Ensign and his wife were recently caught up in their son's scandal, admitting that they paid $96,000 to Sen. Ensign's mistress and her husband, both of whom worked for the senator. Mike Ensign earned around $300 million in the early 2000s when he sold his shares of the Mandalay Bay Group, which owned Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas.
A few weeks ago, lottery officials said there'd be an ethics investigation into Mike Ensign before his proposal could be approved.
But now, an official says it wasn't a concern for the Lottery.
"That's not an issue to us at all. There hasn't been any allegation of wrongdoing at all," said executive director Ed Van Petten.
Josh
Zachary
I wonder if the Nevada Gaming Commission, under the same circumstances, would look the other way for a quid pro quo? This isn't Kansas anymore Toto.
August 19, 2009 5:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
It seems Ensign is totally out of contact with reality, legal issues, and moral rectitude. He was so loud mouthed about President Clinton and then he does something even worse than Clinton did and then runs from the advice he so loudly gave to Mr. Clinton. Besides, what he did is illegal. He cheated on his marriage vows and God has some very strict rules about cheating as Ensign did. Of course, it is the promise of God that whosoever judges anyone, they also will be judged harshly by the same standards they blab about. Poor Mr. Ensign obviously is still in acute denial about his problems and according to Scripture, will have no forgiveness from God until he repents and disavows his judgmental attitude.
August 20, 2009 2:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
There is still the question of whether Mrs. Hampton paid federal income tax of her $96,000 earnings as a prostitute.
Although prostitution is legal in Nevada, not paying federal income tax on earnings from that prostitution is definitely not legal.
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August 20, 2009 8:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Dad is pissed now! Little Johnny can expect to be sent off to his room without supper.
August 20, 2009 10:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Found it interesting that Harrah's was an original partner with John Ensign's group. They pulled out of the deal, supposedly, due to the current economic climate.
Allegiant Air, that hired Doug Hampton, is a contract carrier for Harrah's.
Also, Allegiant's Director of Planning is one Robert Ashcroft.
Add C Street to the mix and you come up with the Ensigns & Sen Jim Demint (R-SC), ranking member of the Aviation sub-committee.
Allegiant has a reputation of grabbing State & Federal funds by coming into an area & then split & run once the money is in pocket.
Was Demint also involved with multiple airport owner & ponzi-schemer Art Nadel? Bail money?
Guess I'll just have to go to Argentina and talk it all over with my bond broker girlfriend.
August 20, 2009 2:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think we need a prayer breakfast. Let's all meet at C Street. PTL?
August 20, 2009 2:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
papa ensign obviously has more mistresses to pay off for little johnny
August 20, 2009 5:06 PM | Reply | Permalink