Boehner aide joins American Gaming Association

The gaming industry's Washington, D.C., lobbying group has hired a longtime aide to Speaker of the House John Boehner as the organization's vice president of government affairs.

In a statement Friday, the American Gaming Association said Whitaker Lee Askew would work to expand gaming's support in Washington, D.C.

Askew spent five years with Boehner, a Republican from Ohio who became speaker this month following his party's takeover of the House of Representatives.

Fahrenkopf said it was important for the gaming industry to expand its base of advocates. The changes in the makeup of Congress following the last election brought new representatives from gaming jurisdictions and districts not located in traditional gaming states.

"Whit's record of achievement here in Washington speaks for itself, and his contacts and experience will be vital," Fahrenkopf said.