David Williams: Beshear is guilty of "fraud in advertising" for "the biggest joke" with "no legs", while "burning up time" needed 4 "belt tightening".

These are indeed harsh words from the Senate President, David Williams, for Gov. Steve Beshear's casino legislation. Here is an excerpt from Pol Watchers:

Williams, a Burkesville Republican who opposes casino gambling in Kentucky, first criticized the wording of Beshear's proposed constitutional amendment after reporters questioned him about it.

The proposed amendment from the Democrat governor first asks voters if they favor increasing financial support for education and other needs in the state before it mentions casinos.

“If the words of the constitutional amendment could be held to the fraud in advertising standard, this would be fraud in advertising," Williams said.

“It begins by asking are you for education, are you for the good fairy, blah, blah, blah. It’s a non sequitur.”

Williams called the wording “bait and switch.”

“I see very little support for casino gambling in the Senate," Williams said.

Asked about the enabling legislation specifying that the race tracks would get casinos, Williams said. “They’re giving a monopoly to a private company.”

Williams said of the proposed legislation: “There’s nothing in this for horse racing, for the horse farmers.”

“This will close racing tracks” because patrons will be interested in casino gaming, not betting on horses," he said.

“This is the biggest joke I’ve seen in my life,” Williams said. “This bill will have no legs.”

Williams said of Beshear: “He knows gaming is not going to pass. . . . He can push, threaten, coerce and do whatever he wants. It will never pass the House.”

The Republican leader also said Beshear "could have been more honest. He wants a funding source for his attempt to have total control of the government. He’s not interested in it passing.

“He’s beating the casino drum and it has a hollow sound.”

Williams said this is the first big effort by gambling interests to gain great influence over Kentucky politics.

“The gambling money will control the body politic in this state” if it is not opposed and defeated, he said.

Williams said Beshear is “burning up time” that could be put to better use by focusing on “belt-tightening” to solve the state’s budget problems.

Asked whether he thought the budget shortfall was manufactured, Williams said, “I think it is manageable.” But he declined to say how big he thinks the shortfall is.

Harsh words, indeed. I note some House members appear to be gun shy, too.

As soon as we have Governor Steve Beshear's response, we'll be sure to post it.