Meet the Moguls
Nevada’s $7 billion casino industry isn’t overly partisan. “Frankly, there isn’t much they want from Washington other than to be left alone,” says native Nevadan Frank Fahrenkopf, head of the American Gaming Association and a former chair of the Republican National Committee. But these leaders of the biggest casino companies are willing to wager.
Donald Trump
Chairman of Trump Entertainment Resorts. Company shares have plummeted lately, but his debut Vegas hotel is largely finished and his name decorates the city’s skyline. A Republican, he’s mum on the race so far. In 2004, he donated to Bush’s and Kerry’s campaigns.
Gary Loveman
C.E.O. of Harrah’s Entertainment. He has given $2,100 to Democrat Chris Dodd’s campaign; in 2004, he supported Kerry. A former Harvard professor, he is a director of the Coach luxury-goods company. Last year, Harrah’s accepted a $17.1 billion private equity buyout.
Terry Lanni
C.E.O. of MGM Mirage. He is a Republican and chair of the McCain campaign. He gave $4,600 to McCain for 2008 and in the past donated to Bush and Gephardt. He’s worked his way up through the casino business and has stood atop MGM since 1995.
Sheldon Adelson
C.E.O. of the Las Vegas Sands Corp. With a market capitalization of $34 billion, it is one of the largest of the nation’s casino companies. A die-hard Republican, Adelson has yet to pick a favorite in the 2008 race. But in 2004, he gave Bush’s campaign $2,000.
Frank Fertitta
C.E.O. of Station Casinos. One of Vegas’ biggest gaming operators and among the largest owners of undeveloped casino land in the town. A Republican, he has written a $4,600 check to the Giuliani campaign. In 2004, he was a firm Bush supporter.
Steve Wynn
C.E.O. of Wynn Resorts. He’s given $4,600 to Joe Biden’s campaign, and his wife, Elaine, serves on Barack Obama’s Nevada committee. In 2004, the Wynns spread $10,000 among the campaigns of Bush, Kerry, and Gephardt.
Back to: A Dicey Proposition
