HOLD THAT LOGO: Not approved for political use.

Odds of the casino amendment making the ballot look longer after yesterday’s finding by a special master that petition signatures fell short, but here’s something you can bet on: If the campaign by casino opponents must continue, it will never again include Razorback logos.

Some Internet advertising by the Stop Casinos campaign had included the familiar Razorback logo.

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I asked a University of Arkansas spokesman about this. Mark Rushing responded:

After becoming aware of a political campaign advertisement containing University logos, the University reviewed the matter and requested the campaign to immediately discontinue the use. The campaign voluntarily agreed to remove the logos from its ads and has begun removing the original version of the ad from circulation. Consistent with longstanding practice, this action was taken due to concerns that the ad’s use of University logos might be viewed as an endorsement of the campaign. The logo used was not in any factual historical context. 

Robert Coon, spokesman for the casino amendment campaign, issued a statement:

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“It’s ironic that this front group for Oaklawn and Southland would run an advertisement in which they talk about protecting the University of Arkansas, while blatantly violating the University’s trademark. This is just the latest chapter in their campaign of hypocrisy. Oaklawn and Southland have repeatedly decried ‘out of state’ interests, despite the fact that they themselves are owned by ‘out of state’ interests from St. Louis, MO and Buffalo, NY. They have accused proponents of Issue 5 of trying to create a monopoly, when they’re the ones who have monopolized the gaming industry in Arkansas for decades. When it comes to protecting their profits, this group has proven that it will say and do anything, no matter who they harm in the process.”

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