Conspiracy Theory: Put on Your Tin Foil Hats

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Why else would Harrah's donate, simple good will from a Senator from Tennessee(sp)? Does Harrah operate anything in Tennessee?

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I don't believe Harrah's has any interests in Tenneesee.

But as Frist as demonstrated (along with the natural influence that comes with being the Majority Leader in the Senate), he's a powerful ally on issues of national scope that Harrah's may have a keen interest in -- labor relations, health care costs, policies pertaining to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to recognize tribes for casino projects they sponsor or co-partner in, federal laws regarding wagering on college athletics, etc. are all issues where Harrah's may be trying to buy influence or at least access via campaign contributions.

Harrah's has given away more than $300k in political contributions in 2006 to date -- $20k six years ago to one of the most powerful politicians in the country hardly seems indicative of some kind of conspiracy.

This article in In Business Las Vegas gives a relatively informative description of how and why B&M casinos contribute.