Republicans who took political donations from toppled casino mogul Steve Wynn should “seriously consider” returning the money, Gov. Charlie Baker said yesterday.
“I certainly think people who are in positions where they received donations from Steve Wynn should seriously consider giving them back,” Baker said.
Wynn stepped down as finance chairman of the Republican National Committee in the wake of a Wall Street Journal report detailing allegations of a long history of sexual harassment by the casino giant. Wynn also resigned from his namesake company earlier this week.
Shortly after the allegations emerged, Baker’s campaign manager Jim Conroy called the allegations “sickening,” and said Baker was “pleased that the Party has severed ties with Wynn.” Baker and his campaign have said neither he, Lt. Gov. Karen Polito nor the state GOP has asked for or received any donations from Wynn.
Baker said he asked the Republican Governors Association to return donations from Wynn. The RGA gave back $100,000 to Wynn Resorts.
Wynn has personally donated nearly $160,000 to campaigns and political committees since the beginning of last year. Wynn gave $100,000 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee and more than $17,000 to the Republican National Committee. Wynn also donated to a handful of individual candidates, largely in Nevada, including Sen. Dean Heller and two congressional candidates. Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake and Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte also received donations. He has also given to top Democrats, including Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, John Kerry and a number of senators.
The RNC has said it will not return Wynn’s donations unless an investigation finds him guilty of wrongdoing. The RNC did not respond to a request for comment.
A spokesman for Flake yesterday said the senator — who is retiring — will donate Wynn’s contributions to charity. Today, a spokesman for Gianforte said his campaigns also will donate Wynn’s contributions to charity.
None of the other elected GOP officials, candidates or committees yesterday responded to a request for comment.
Wynn has not donated money to Massachusetts groups or candidates, according to state campaign finance records. His company, Wynn Resorts, donated more than $3 million to groups involved in casino-related ballot questions.
Baker also said he supports the Gaming Commission’s decision to continue with its investigation, even after Wynn resigned as CEO and chairman. Under state law, anyone who owns more than 5 percent may be required to pass a suitability investigation. Wynn owns 12 percent.