Reporting Raises Questions About State Senator Syverson’s Casino Ties

What happens when politicians use their clout to benefit their campaign donors? That’s the issue Rockford is dealing with right now, as news broke last week that State Senator Dave Syverson used his influence to steer the city toward a casino investor he had business ties with. 

That influence, would be none other than Rockford's own Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, who is also part of an investment group with hopes of cashing in on Illinois’ new gambling expansion. We spoke with Mark Maxwell, polictal reporter for WCIA-TV, who has been reporting on this issue.