Adelson to interview Republican presidential candidates?
News on 25 Apr 2015
News on 25 Apr 2015
In yet another illustration of the political power wielded by land casino owner Sheldon Adelson, industry observers report that the billionaire will be interviewing potential Republican presidential candidates this weekend, presumably to decide who to support with campaign funding.
A staunch Republican, in the past Adelson and his family have donated well over a hundred million dollars to the campaigns of favoured Republican politicians seeking election….when their views coincide with those held by the casino mogul.
His practice of interviewing candidates who travel to Las Vegas for the privilege is known in some circles as “Sheldon’s Primary”.
The respected and well-connected journalist Jon Ralston tweeted this week: “I’m also told that Adelson plans to ask pointed questions of the candidates on online gaming. He will want real answers, not pabulum.”
Our readers will recall that Adelson has thrown significant funds into seeking a federal ban on online gambling, principally through lobbying activity and the Restoration of America’s Wire Act, a proposal currently at committee stage in Congress that is sponsored by Adelson-inspired politicians.
It is widely believed in the industry that the bill was drafted by Adelson lobbyists; it is certainly promoted and supported by the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling, which Adelson generously funds and inspires.
Breitbart News reports that over the 25-26 April weekend, leaders of the Republican Jewish Coalition hold their annual spring meeting in Las Vegas, and the conference is hosted by Adelson.
“Many Republican presidential hopefuls will be in attendance,” the publication notes, specifically identifying presidential candidates Sen. Ted Cruz (TX), Sen. Rob Portman (OH), Gov. Mike Pence (IN), Gov. Rick Perry (TX), and Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC).
The keynote speaker at the gala dinner is former President George W. Bush, and Mitt Romney is also featured at a kickoff event.
Other sources speculate on whether former governor of Florida Jeb Bush will make an appearance, having fallen out of favour with Adelson over foreign policy regarding Israel, but reportedly taking a more conciliatory position in recent times.
Other likely Republican interviewees have been listed, namely Sen. Mark Rubio, Wisconsin governor Scott Wilson and New Jersey governor Chris Christie.
