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New Mexico's Governor-Elect Favors New Track20 November 2002ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico -- As reported by the Associated Press: ``The proposed horse racing track and casino for Hobbs is on hold, but likely to get on a fast track once Gov.-elect Bill Richardson takes office in January. ``Richardson reiterated Tuesday that if residents of Hobbs and Lea County want the track, he'll support their wishes. ``Lame-duck Gov. Gary Johnson opposes the expansion of horse racing. On Monday, Johnson ousted three members of the state Racing Commission to prevent the commission from voting on whether to award a license to R.D. Hubbard, the owner of the Ruidoso Downs racetrack. ``…The ouster left the commission without a quorum and forced cancellation of Tuesday's meeting at which a vote on Hubbard's application was scheduled. ``…Hubbard is one of three individuals who filed applications with the state Racing Commission for the proposed track. ``Gregory Drake, former chairman of the state Racing Commission and one of the three ousted by Johnson, supports opening a track in Hobbs and said Tuesday he's optimistic it will happen. ``…`Governor Johnson had made it clear he didn't want gambling proliferated in New Mexico as long as he was governor,' Wallach said in a telephone interview. "Certainly when the new governor takes over ... I think we have a good shot at getting a racetrack and casino in Lea County.'…" |