This is kind of big, so it’s cross-posted.
Ruh Ro! Former GOP Chairman Brad Cummings says the proposed slots amendment is dead on arrival.
Check it:
Kentucky Republicans connected to the horse industry will find themselves in an interesting predicament next year. The always-pending slots issue has caused much consternation for those of us on the right that see this as an economic development issue and not a moral one. In a state with legal gambling on horse racing, a statewide lottery and an abundance of charitable gaming, the overused/misused word hypocrisy easily comes to mind when considering the social right’s argument.
And yet I have stayed silent on this issue publicly.
-SNIP-
Assuming the worst for Kentucky Republicans, which is more likely? Republican Tom Buford continues to vote for slots as he did this year and one other Republican is swayed out of fear of an electoral minority after 2010, or an amendment passes by a margin of 23 – 15, meaning that three Democrats throw away the pro-slots momentum their party currently enjoys and allows Republicans to claim a victory for the horse industry? Anyone who believes Democrats will give up that power clearly does not understand the underbelly of the political system.
Additionally, the House would have to find eight more votes than it had this year and again ignore the historical boost of momentum Republicans would earn from this legislation. The Democrats who possess a super-majority in the House would have been more likely to publicly admit voting for John McCain in last year’s Presidential election.
Even more concerning though is the cost a referendum would put on the horse industry. Millions of dollars would have to be spent to win this referendum, millions of dollars many horse industry folks do not have to spend, especially after the performance of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred sales this year. The opposition would be well funded by social conservatives and other lobbying interests who would prefer to see Kentucky without slots. So while the slots issue polls well now, the political climate would be impossible to foretell. As they say, a year equals several lifetimes in politics.
Click here to read the rest of what is sure to send chills down the spines of Republicans across the Commonwealth today.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Jim // Oct 27, 2009 at 2:51 pm
What I have to question is why are the people of this Commonwealth being held up by a bunch of the Republican leaders. If the people want slots or gambling casinos, more power to them. It not my responsibility what you do with your money. These obstructionists mostly from downstate are holding everyone hostage to their political whims. Let’s get the thing either to a vote or let the legislature pass a law that allows for it, either way, its not going to change a thing. If you want to go to the casino now, I know there is one about 10 miles the other side of the bridge from Louisville. Not to mention one in Evansville, IN across from Henderson and then the Cincinnati area ones.
Not to mention how much is spent on lottery tickets, etc. But the rest of the state must want another Spencer County debacle where it just recently became legal to buy alcohol in county 75 years after the end of prohibition. Crazy how these people impact the state.
2 Ice Cold Excata // Oct 27, 2009 at 3:07 pm
What’s with these freaking morons! Are they that much in bed with the freaking baptists? They keep on this, democrats are going to keep winning in the state. Let the people decide!
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