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BRISTOL, Va. — Backers of the proposed Bristol Resort and Casino recently donated $325,000 to political action groups aligned with lawmakers in the Virginia General Assembly.

Clyde Stacy, owner of Par Enterprises and the Bristol Mall, and the United Company — where Stacy’s partner Jim McGlothlin serves as chairman and CEO — made the donations during the past 30 days, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization monitoring money and politics in Virginia.

Combined with previous gifts from Stacy, McGlothlin and other associates totaling $200,000 to a GOP political action committee, this year’s total contributions total $525,000.

The two men are asking the General Assembly to allow development of the proposed $250 million Bristol Resort and Casino project at the Bristol Mall on Gate City Highway. Legislative approval is required to allow table gaming in one part of the vacant mall property. Plans also include a hotel, recreation area for children and families, dining, shopping, live entertainment and a conference and convention center.

Legislation for the casino is to require a public referendum, which would give city residents the final say.