Michigan Politicians Mull Bingo Game Legislation - 03-25-08

March 25 - It is a well-known ploy in political circles for interested parties to push for legislation that serves their own needs. This point was proven in the state of Michigan recently after a proposal was publicized to allow the game of bingo to fund political campaigns.

The Michigan bingo industry has a long history but in recent years, the game has become somewhat outdated, despite a huge revival of bingo on the internet. Nevertheless, Party Representative Mark Meadows has introduced a proposal to generate new life into the Michigan bingo scene by allowing parlors to operate as long as the funds were injected into political campaigns.

Meadows said: "The primary reason political bingos were stopped is that Democrats used them successfully and they were not a Republican fundraising mechanism. This was done for the wrong reasons, and it's time to reverse this."

The general consensus in the state of Michigan is that using the game of bingo to fund political campaigns is preferred by Democrats. The Republicans, who usually have fuller coffers, traditionally shy away from Michigan bingo legislation because it gives the Democrats a greater advantage to further their causes.

With the decline in the popularity of bingo in the state, many are questioning the wisdom of investing in bingo parlors that may or may not take off the ground. But Representative Steve Lindberg said: "In areas like mine where there are a lot of casinos, bingo games aren't very big sellers anymore. But in some areas, it will be a good way for political parties to raise money without going out and asking for direct donations."

While past laws in Michigan allowed bingo revenues to be used to to fund political campaigns, today only operational costs can be paid from political bingo games.