Texas Senate Won't Get Gambling Bill Unless House Acts First

AUSTIN, Texas -- Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said Tuesday that there is "significant support" in the Texas Senate for a major new gambling initiative, but he will not allow a floor debate on that legislation unless the House approves it first.

Dewhurst, a Republican who presides over the 31-member Senate, said it would be irresponsible to permit a potentially bloody floor fight over legislation to legalize video slot machines or full-blown casino gambling only to see the measure crumble on the other side of the Capitol.

"Part of my responsibility in leading is to make sure that we are not running our heads into the wall," Dewhurst told reporters at his daily news briefing.

Copyright © Las Vegas Sun. Inc. Republished with permission.

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