FRANKFORT — A Northern Kentucky lawmaker has returned a $500 campaign contribution from Churchill Downs because he said it might be construed as inappropriate.

        Rep. Jon Draud, R-Crestview Hills, was originally going to keep the contribution from Churchill Downs, which is lobbying lawmakers to allow casino gambling at Kentucky's thoroughbred horse tracks.

        But after two other Northern Kentucky lawmakers — House Majority Caucus Chairman Jim Callahan, D-Wilder, and Sen. Katie Stine, R-Fort Thomas — returned the contributions, and Mr. Draud talked to his family and friends, he decided to return the money.

        “After I talked with my wife and some friends, they seemed to think it would be inappropriate because I'm a member of the (House) Licensing and Occupations Committee, and we'll be voting on that issue once a bill is presented,” Mr. Draud said. “And I didn't want people to misinterpret that.”

        Churchill and the state's other racetracks, including Turfway Park in Florence, are pushing for lawmakers to approve video lottery terminals, a type of electronic slot machine.

        The tracks say they need slots to compete against riverboat casinos in Indiana and Illinois, and racetracks offering casino gambling in states such as West Virginia.

        Churchill contributed $15,500 to 25 lawmakers in the days before the General Assembly opened its 2002 legislative session Jan. 8. Five lawmakers have returned the contributions.

        Mrs. Stine said the contribution came too close to the beginning of the session for her to accept.

        A bill expanding casino gambling has not been filed, but one is expected.

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