Insider Buzz: Oklahoma lottery question spurs contributions
Supporters and opponents of a state question that would allow a statewide lottery in Oklahoma have both raised more than $200,000 in the past month.
The pro-lottery group Oklahoma Kids Coalition raised $289,750 from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, according to reports filed with the state Ethics Commission.
The Chickasaw Nation contributed $1,000 on Sept. 2 and another $250,000 on Sept. 22.
Memorial Properties Holdings LLC contributed $12,000 on Sept. 3.
The coalition supports State Question 705, which would create an education lottery, and State Question 706, which provides for a constitutional amendment to protect lottery funds for education. It is among nine state questions voters will decide Nov. 2.
The group spent a little more than $120,000 on advertising.
The anti-lottery group, Oklahomans for Good Government, also is working to oppose State Question 712, which would allow casino-type games at the state's horse racetracks.
Approximately $205,000 of Oklahomans for Good Government's money has come from the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, with an additional $5,000 coming from the Sac & Fox Nation.
Rep. Forrest Claunch, R-Midwest City, chairman of Oklahomans for Good Government, said his organization hopes to raise substantially more money, adding that another American Indian tribe may be planning to make a donation.