The Republican Party of Kentucky (RPK) has filed a complaint with the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission and Attorney General Jack Conway regarding the allegations that were first highlighted by KyPolitics.org. Interestingly, RPK has named the scandal, calling it "Slot-Trot."
While it appears that the FBI has already launched an investigation of "Slot-Trot," we expect the Commission will promptly investigate these allegations.
RPK's press release:
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Republican Party of Kentucky (RPK) today filed a complaint with the Legislative Ethics Commission asking for an immediate investigation into allegations that House Democratic Leadership are extorting members of the horse industry and race tracks for campaign contributions in exchange for support of casino legislation.
“It is my hope that the Legislative Ethics Commission will make this ‘Slot-Trot’ inquiry a high priority as public confidence in House Democratic Leadership is rapidly eroding,” said RPK Chairman Steve Robertson.
The request for an investigation comes in the wake of WHAS 11 Reporter Mark Hebert’s allegations that members of the horse industry were telling him privately that they were “being taken to the woodshed by Speaker Jody Richards and his close allies” who believe the horse industry spent too much time and cash on Beshear and did not commit enough money to Democratic legislative races this fall. Hebert went public with his accusations on the February 22nd edition of KET’s Comment on Kentucky.
“Hebert’s statements imply that certain House Democrats have violated virtually every principle in the Legislative Ethics Code,” said RPK Chairman Steve Robertson. “In light of these shocking accusations, it is the duty of the Legislative Ethics Commission to restore the public’s trust in the legislative process by either bringing to light or putting to rest these allegations of impropriety.”
According to KRS 6.606, the Legislative Ethics Code states that the proper operation of democratic government requires that:
A public official be independent and impartial;
A public official not use public office to obtain private benefits;
A public official avoid any action which creates the appearance that he/she is using public office to obtain a private benefit;
Government policy and decisions be made through the established processes of government; and
The public have confidence in the integrity of its government and its public officials.
“If an investigation into these allegations reveals that Democratic legislators have attempted to engage in extortion, the Ethics Commission should immediately refer this matter to the proper law enforcement agencies,” concluded Robertson.
The Republican Party of Kentucky also forwarded the complaint to the Office of the Attorney General requesting that it launch a parallel investigation.
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