In a bid to rally support for Cedar Rapids’ third try at a casino once the state’s moratorium on new gaming licenses expires in 2024, Linn County gaming interests have begun to bankroll the political campaigns of key state leaders and perhaps boost their influence in the Statehouse.

The Cedar Rapids Development Group PAC — the political action committee formed by backers of a potential Cedar Rapids casino — contributed $47,750 to Republican and Democratic candidates in the filing period that ended Oct. 14, just weeks before the Nov. 8 midterm elections, according to the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.

“We made the decision to establish the Cedar Rapids Development Group PAC to encourage dialogue on policy issues related to the economic development in Linn County,” Jonathan Swain, president of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, the city’s preferred casino operator, said in a statement.