Democrats Stall Kentucky Horse Racing Bill
KENTUCKY --
Kentucky democrats in the Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee were unable to agree on a state amendment that would allow citizens to vote on casino and horse racing expansion this November. The stall quickly angered Governor Steve Beshear, who was elected on a platform that included casino gambling expansion.
Governor Beshear called on fellow democrats to unite on this issue and lock-down an agreement in order to push the bill forward. He encouraged members to compromise on the details and act quickly.
The Governor said, "The leaders in the House of Representatives should remember that more than 80% of Kentucky voters want the right to express themselves on this issue".
Many analysts have said the lack of unity by the committee will be seen as a significant blow and could reduce the chances of the issue making it to the ballot. The committee is controlled by Democrats with 2 different view points.
One of the factions within the committee is seeking to ask voters to approve "no more than nine casinos, of which no more than five may be established by horse racing tracks."
The other group in the committee is asking for ""up to 5 casinos by horse racing associations . and up to 4 other casinos." According to ESPN, the state horse racing industry is in favor of the second method of wording.
Some in the state legislature have accused Beshear of being too liberal with casino licenses, saying that his plans would call for an over-expansion of gambling in Kentucky. The governor had offered his support for a plan to allow casinos at all 8 racetracks in state.
With the amount of disagreement surrounding this issue, it is unlikely the ballot measure will reach voters by November. It could be years before this issues has a chance to carve its way onto the ballot.
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