Ridley, other western Kentucky legislators favor vote on racetrack casinos

Sen. Dorsey Ridley (center) favors a statewide vote on racetrack
casinos proposed by Gov. Steve Beshear (right). Both men, as well
as Rep. Mike Cherry (left), were in Marion Wednesday to formally
dedicate construction of a new U.S. 641 that has already begun.

A majority of the state legislators in the Henderson area favor a public vote on allowing casino-style gambling at horse racetracks. Senate Bill 151 is currently in the Senate State and Local Government Committee. State Sen. Dorsey Ridley (D-Henderson), said he favors the bill.

"This issue has been around since the decision was made on the lottery back in 1988," he noted. "It continues to be discussed. I think it's time the people of the commonwealth of Kentucky have an opportunity to vote on this.

"If they vote yes, we'll move forward. If they vote no, then we'll go on to something else."

Rep. Mike Cherry said he would have to see what comes out of the Senate before he would commit to answering the question how he would vote on gaming legislation. However, he did say that he would stick with his pledge that the only way he would vote for a gaming bill would be if it allows for the people of the commonwealth to decide in a statewide referendum whether to amend the Kentucky Constitution to allow expand gaming.

Even at that, he continued, the wording of the proposed amendment would have to be very clear and meet certain standards of his support for the measure.

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