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Illinois Governor Dismisses Casino Plan

ILLINOIS – As reported by the Illinois State-Register: "Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Thursday a casino-growth proposal pushed by Republican gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka is 'totally and utterly fraudulent,' based on her earlier assurances she would not resort to gimmicks to balance the state budget.

"Blagojevich, who seeks a second term in the Nov. 7 election, also said he opposes an 'expansion of gambling' but did not define his position. The governor in the past has insisted that certain scenarios, such as his abandoned attempt to introduce keno at bars and restaurants, are technically not expansions of gambling.

"Rather, Blagojevich assailed Topinka's push to create a Chicago casino and add slot machines at existing riverboats on the grounds that the Republican previously portrayed herself as a critic of gambling and a responsible budget-maker. Topinka unveiled a four-year spending and revenue plan Wednesday that relies on a more than $1 billion yearly infusion of new casino money.

"…Topinka, the state treasurer, in the spring primary season indicated she did not support new forms of gambling. She said this week that she was reluctant to bring casinos into the mix but noted Chicago would be the best place to use the state's 10th unassigned gaming license. Her plan would need legislative approval…"

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