Businessman’s contributions to Paul Ryan could draw attention

Source: Washington Post

Democrats have wasted little time blasting Republican vice presidential pick Rep. Paul Ryan over his blueprint for the federal budget, but a more obscure part of his record could also draw attention: his relationship with a convicted Wisconsin businessman.

Ryan accepted nearly $60,000 in contributions from businessman Dennis Troha and his family, records show. Troha was later indicted on campaign finance charges over an Indian casino he sought to open. During the casino application process, Troha said, Ryan (R-Wis.) called federal regulators at his request.

Ryan also supported a bill in Congress that benefited Troha and his trucking company, legislation that drew the interest of federal prosecutors because of the contributions Ryan and other congressman had accepted from Troha and his family.

The Wisconsin congressman was not found to have violated any laws, nor was he a target or key figure in the federal investigation, people familiar with the probe said. He was among more than 20 politicians of both parties who benefited from Troha’s largesse. Troha was convicted of funneling illegal donations to other politicians, not Ryan, and Ryan donated Troha’s contributions to youth programs when the businessman was indicted.



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