Trump ‘superfan’ retired from running strip clubs

One of Donald Trump’s front-row super fans is a retired strip club owner whose empire once included Las Vegas joints.

Tennessee resident Richard A. Snowden, 64, has become an often-quoted media darling while following Trump to nearly 30 rallies in more than a dozen states. He’s driven more than 28,000 miles and flown another 7,500, according to reports.

Last week, Miami-area columnist Jose Lambiet revealed Trump’s biggest fan had a long association with strip clubs in Buffalo, New York; Tampa, Florida; Savannah, Georgia; Washington, D.C.; and Las Vegas through the mid-2000s.

According to Lambiet, Snowden sold all his clubs and moved from Buffalo to Tennessee, after his ownership of the Buffalo Tally-Ho came under scrutiny.

The club forfeited $350,000 to the government in 2011 and the corporation pleaded guilty to felony charges of maintaining premises for drug trafficking.

Snowden, who claimed he was unaware of what was happening at the club, was not prosecuted.

The FBI alleged after a 2010 bust that Snowden’s club hosted strippers who also turned tricks in the private rooms. News accounts of the bust said the dancers were selling heroin and cocaine to clients. During the raid, 27 dancers were arrested.

Snowden did not respond to a Review-Journal email request for comment.

Disenchanted with politics after Mitt Romney lost to Barack Obama in 2012, Snowden told a reporter, “I got bitten by the bug … I’ve never done this before. I’ve been to a rally here or there for candidates for decades, but Mr. Trump does bring this out in us — this dedication, loyalty and rock-hard support,” he said.

He has spent $15,000 traveling to Trump rallies since late August, according to reports.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

One of Las Vegas’ most colorful characters, the late Bob Stupak, will be honored April 6 with a street being named after him in front of the Stratosphere, the 1,149-foot tower he developed. Baltimore Avenue will officially be changed to Bob Stupak Avenue on what would have been Stupak’s 74th birthday. The City Council approved the name change in February after Councilman Bob Coffin brought it before his colleagues. R-J columnist John L. Smith had suggested the street name change in an August column. The Stratosphere is celebrating its 20th anniversary on April 30.

SIGHTINGS

Johnny Manziel, with friends in a VIP booth at Marquee (Cosmopolitian) on Saturday. … Justin Bieber, partying at XS (Wynn) in Saturday’s wee hours after his tour stop performance Friday at the MGM Grand Garden. His group included the New York Giants pass-catching sensation Odell Beckham Jr. and singer Maejor. Bieber joined David Guetta in the DJ booth. … Comedy legend Marty Allen, celebrating his 94th birthday on Wednesday with a special lunch and cake at Triple George Grill. He was accompanied by his wife and entertainment partner, Karon Kate Blackwell, and friends Roy and Judy Student. His public birthday celebration was Saturday at the Rampart Casino. I’ll have more on that in Monday’s column. … Actor Nicholas Gonzalez celebrating his bachelor party Saturday at Marquee (Cosmopolitan). … Comedians Hannibal Buress and Craig Robinson, boxer Zab Judah and rapper T.I., at Mike Tyson’s “Undisputed Truth” at the MGM Grand last week. … Denver Broncos tight end and Super Bowl champion Owen Daniels, celebrating his younger brother Hayden’s graduation from the University of Houston at Encore Beach Club on Friday, with family members. … Pro football Hall of Famers and former San Francisco 49ers Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Roger Craig and Ronnie Lott, among a group of celebrities at the opening of the new Montecristo Cigar Bar at Caesars Palace on Thursday. Singer Paul Anka and former 49ers owner Eddie Debartolo Jr. and others joined the group at Mr. Chow restaurant.

THE PUNCH LINE

“It’s a strange thing. People wanting to run the country are now hosting reality shows and people hosting reality shows now want to run the country. We live in a very confusing time.” — Jimmy Kimmel, on the news that Sarah Palin is planning to host a new reality courtroom show.

Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. On Twitter: @Norm_Clarke.