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Kentucky expanded gambling debate heats up16 May 2007KENTUCKY -- As reported by the Lexington Herald-Leader: "Several of the Democrats running for governor aggressively challenged rival Steve Beshear for overpromising benefits derived from expanded gambling, while all six candidates responded to criticism of their political weaknesses. "Last night's statewide debate on Kentucky Educational Television revealed the first signs of contention in what had been a docile Democratic primary. "Early on, candidates Steve Henry, Jody Richards and Bruce Lunsford began questioning Beshear, a former lieutenant governor, about his pledge to shepherd through the system a constitutional amendment allowing expanded gambling. Beshear has claimed casinos would bring $500 million into the state coffers, which would pay for a host of policy proposals. "...Later, Lunsford listed the programs Beshear has said could be paid for by casino revenue, including pre-kindergarten classes, expansion of health care and reduction of debt in the state pension system. "Richards, the House speaker, said Beshear was being presumptive because he would have to get such a casino plan through the legislature, including the Republican-controlled state Senate led by its president David Williams, who adamantly opposes expanded gaming. "...Beshear shot back that his opponents' doubts about whether an expanded gambling plan could pass was 'a comment on their leadership ability.'..." |