Illinois: Ban Campaign Contributions

Still on board
By MICHAEL SNEED

Scoopsville . . .

Sneed has learned Gov. Pat Quinn will reappoint retired Cook County Circuit Judge Aaron Jaffe , the state’s respected top gaming regulator who has been a thorn in the side of pro-gambling lawmakers, as chairman of the Gaming Board on Monday.

◆ Buckshot: The Guv shares Jaffe’s concerns about the gambling bill’s lax oversight and ethics shortcomings, said a source. “Gov. Quinn thinks Jaffe has done a good job helping to prevent corruption in the gambling industry,” the source said. “With any gambling expansion on the horizon, the governor wants to hedge his bet with a strong regulator.”

◆ Upshot: Quinn asked lawmakers this week to tighten oversight and load up on ethics measures, including a ban on campaign contributions from gambling interests. At least six other states ban campaign contributions from gambling interests.