American Gaming Association hires Boehner aide

WASHINGTON, D.C. The gaming industry's Washington D.C. lobbying group has hired a longtime aide to Speaker of the House John Boehner as the organization's vice president of government affairs.

In a statement Friday, the American Gaming Association said Whitaker Lee Askew would work to expand gaming's support in Washington D.C.

Askew spent five years with Boehner, a Republican from Ohio who became Speaker this month following his party's takeover as the majority in the House of Representatives.

Askew served as the executive director of The Freedom Project, leading fundraising efforts, managing day-to-day political operations and serving as the key political contact for members of Congress, candidates, businesses, donors and community leaders.

Prior to working with Boehner, Askew served as political action committee coordinator at the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.

American Gaming Association President Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr. said Askew would help introduce "the commercial casino industry to more than 100 new members of Congress."

Fahrenkopf said it was important for the gaming industry to expand its base of advocates. The changes in the makeup of Congress following the last election brought new representatives from gaming jurisdictions and districts not located in traditional gaming states.

"Whit's record of achievement here in Washington speaks for itself, and his contacts and experience will be vital," Fahrenkopf said.

Askew joins a government affairs team that currently includes Fahrenkopf and the American Gaming Association vice president Dorothy Jackson.