Democratic lawmakers took issue during Thursdays committee hearing with portions of the bill that exempt the raffles from a gambling tax and the potential for abuse of campaign funds. I dont know if you have been to any private organization raffles, but, generally, there is a lot of fun, a lot of excitement and a lot of energy, Newberger said. That type of sizzle is sorely lacking at most campaign parties, he said, making it difficult to draw in donors and increase political participation at either team to score bet typically droll affairs.
Only campaigns would be allowed to hold raffles, with political action committees and parties themselves barred from holding similar events. And the 3,000 prize limit would stop bigger campaigns from dazzling potential donors with big ticket items that lesser-funded campaigns couldnt afford, Newberger said. Democratic Rep. Laurie Halverson said the legislations proposed immunity from a gambling tax might send the wrong message to Minnesota residents about how lawmakers view themselves because the exception is typically used by charities, not politicians.
I wouldnt want to give my campaign a leg up either team to score bet organizations in the community who are doing the same work, Halverson said.
