Thompson got questionable contributions

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo's embattled State Senator Antoine Thompson has been named in a scathing report, which has now been handed over to the authorities.

This report centers around the process of selecting a company to run a major casino at a downstate race track. Among the names mentioned in the report: State Senator Antoine Thompson.

Political relationships and campaign contributions played a role in the selection process, that's according to the State Inspector General.

Inspector General Joseph Fisch said, "It was clear that the attitude was almost a, "public be damned" factor."

In a scathing 300-plus page report, Fisch says the selection of Aqueduct Entertainment Group by top officials in the Governor's office, State Assembly and Senate, raises questions. According to the report, State Senator Antoine Thompson was among five Senate Democrats to receive contributions from Aqueduct Entertainment principals and entities.

>>>You can read the full report here

"Why a contribution to a State Senator in Buffalo who has no connection with the community? Aqueduct is in Queens, not in Erie County or in Buffalo. Why?" questioned Fisch.

Thompson, who's managed to stay clear of television cameras lately, was supposed to host an afternoon radio show at WUFO Radio.

WUFO Radio said, "I'm Ken Houston, sitting in for State Senator Antoine Thompson."

Instead, Thompson spokesman Ken Houston filled in. We asked him about the Senator's whereabouts.

"He had a meeting this morning. He was over in Niagara Falls, and I thought he was going to come over or at least call in," said Houston.

The Inspector General's report says that AEG Associates and entities gave Thompson a total of $8,600. We asked about Thompson being named in the Inspector General's report.

Houston said, "I can't comment on behalf of the Senator, on anything."

Aqueduct Entertainment Group was selected over other bidders, including Buffalo's Delaware North, but the bid was eventually withdrawn. The state went with another company to operate video lottery machines at the Aqueduct Race Track in Queens.

The Inspector General tells News 4 his office is turning over the report to federal and local prosecutors downstate, and a Legislative Ethics Commission.