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Texas gambling supporters welcome next speaker

AUSTIN, Texas -- As reported by the San Antonio Express-News: "Texas gambling interests have grandiose visions for turning the Lone Star State into a gamer's paradise, and when the pitch for slot machines, casinos and more racetrack betting makes its way through the Legislature, the man likely to hold the power in the House will have more than a passing interest.

"Joe Straus, the San Antonio Republican who's likely to become the next House speaker, comes from a family intimately entwined in Texas horse racing — a family that would gain financially from any legislation easing the restrictions on racetrack betting.

"In the days since emerging as the sole candidate to replace Speaker Tom Craddick, Straus has vowed to maintain a hands-off approach to gambling.

"...Gambling supporters say they welcome Straus, but they're not yet counting their fortunes.

"'I don't think we win or lose anything" with Straus at the helm, said Rep. Ismael 'Kino' Flores, D-Palmview, a fierce gambling advocate who chairs the House committee that oversees gambling.

"...A constitutional amendment would be needed to expand gambling in Texas..."

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