Gambling Debate Expected for Kentucky Governor Race

As reported by the Lexington Herald-Leader: "As a host of Republicans and Democrats continue mulling whether to place their chips on the table and run for governor, one of their first big campaign tests looks to be their stance regarding expanded gambling in Kentucky.

"Democratic Attorney General Greg Stumbo vaulted the issue into the headlines at an Aug. 5 Democratic breakfast in Graves County. He said he'd like to see the state approve casino gambling, and that he wants the first $100 million of revenue from it to wipe out the property tax on vehicles -- one of the most-loathed levies in Kentucky.

"That idea has stirred up a buzz on both sides of the aisle as wannabe candidates weigh their options as well as their chances of beating Ernie Fletcher, the Republican incumbent next year.

"Stumbo, at this point, has said he's running for attorney general again, not for governor. But by floating this proposal, he has added a new twist to the traditionally divisive topic that figures to play prominently in the governor's race.

"…Wallace Wilkinson, a businessman and early underdog in the 1987 race, swept into office largely on the promise of pushing for a lottery to increase money for education.

"The approval of casino gambling -- which has been kicked around in Kentucky political circles for years -- would require amending the state's constitution with the blessing of three-fifths of the General Assembly, and later by the majority of voters…"

2006-08-21