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Kentucky Casino Advocates Back Republican Candidate

KENTUCKY –As reported by the Lexington Herald Leader: "Two of Kentucky's most outspoken advocates of full-scale casino gambling have lined up behind Republican Ernie Fletcher in this fall's race for governor.

"Yesterday, Jerry Carroll, the Fort Mitchell developer who built the Kentucky Speedway, endorsed Fletcher and opened his auto track as a backdrop for Fletcher's latest campaign announcement -- a pledge to spend millions on roads and other improvements to help land an event from NASCAR's premier racing series to Kentucky.

"…He has sought expanded gambling in Kentucky for a decade, and specifically wants to develop a megaplex on Covington's riverfront that would include a land-based casino, hotels, restaurants and other attractions.

"William P. Butler, another high-profile Northern Kentucky developer who wants a casino in Covington, is co-chairman of Fletcher's North-ern Kentucky fund-raising committee.

"Fletcher has declared that personally he is against expanded gambling, but has said he wouldn't try to block a public vote on the issue if lawmakers put a constitutional amendment on the ballot.

"…Fletcher, Carroll and a representative for Butler insisted that they have not discussed the casino issue. And the developers said it did not play a part in their decision to back Fletch-er.

"Nevertheless, the developers and several of their associates have given $24,250 to Fletcher's campaign in the primary and general elections.

"…Kentucky's budget crisis has prompted some state officials to eye expanded gambling as a new revenue source. Mean-while, Kentucky's horse racing industry, buffeted by competition from Indiana riverboats and West Virginia slot machines, would like to add slots to protect its bottom line…"

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