Kansas Governor Confirms His Calls Intercepted: Ties to Local Poker Pro?

TOPEKA, Kan. (Associated Press) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says his office has received a letter from the U.S. Justice Department about the federal government intercepting calls to his office from an ex-legislator’s number.

Brownback said his office received the letter Wednesday about calls from a number that in 2015 went to then-Sen. Michael O’Donnell, a Republican from Wichita. O’Donnell said Wednesday he was shocked to learn his phone was tapped in 2015.

The governor says his letter is similar to letters sent to reporters in Wichita, where businessman Brandon Steven has confirmed he’s the subject of an inquiry into poker and his efforts to open a casino in southeast Kansas in 2015.

A Justice Department spokesman in Wichita didn’t return messages seeking comment.

An aide to Senate President Susan Wagle says her office also received a letter.