State Democrats To Hand Out Checks To Veterans Groups

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — Veterans groups based in Broward and Palm Beach counties will receive checks Monday from some of the state's top Democrats as part of the fallout over a gambling ring scandal.

The move comes after Allied Veterans of the World was accused of running a $290 million illegal gambling business that directed most proceeds into its owners' pockets.

Democrats say that they've identified that Allied and its associates donated $272,000 to Democratic campaigns.

Sen. Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale, called the allegations "infuriating" and said Democrats would not have not accepted any money if they had known about Allied activities.

Democrats plan to give checks to two American Legion posts, two Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and a Jewish War Veterans post.

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