Senate President David Williams, At Odds With Speaker Greg Stumbo, Predicts Jody Richards "Will Return To His Church Of Christ Roots Now" On Gambling.
Read more from Jack Brammer, or excerpts below:
Stumbo and Williams at odds on slots at tracks
FRANKFORT — Newly elected House Speaker Greg Stumbo is pushing legislation to allow video lottery terminals year-round at horse race tracks, but Senate President David Williams says he opposes any expansion of gambling in the state.
Williams, R-Burkesville, said he sees no sentiment for expanded gambling in the Republican-led Senate and doubts it would pass the Democratic-controlled House.
He even predicted that former House Speaker Jody Richards, who for years opposed expansion of gambling but changed his mind in an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2007, “will return to his Church of Christ roots now” and oppose the measure.
Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, said VLTs at the tracks could raise $700 million a year for the state when in full operation.
But Williams expressed doubt about that. He said he opposes expanded gambling because it creates too many social illis, it has hurt candidates in Kentucky elections and the state doesn’t have the population to support it.
Williams said he looks forward to working with Stumbo but he would not make expanded gambling his first issue to push if he were the top leader in the House.
Williams’ comments came during a press availability in his Capitol office.
Waiting for him in his outer office were Keeneland President Nick Nicholson, Turfway President Bob Elliston, Keeneland lobbyist Judy Taylor and Turfway lobbyist Ellen Williams.
Editor's comment: You can give it to David Williams to come up with the comment about Jody Richards, and you can kiss expanded gambling goodbye this session.
Stumbo and Williams at odds on slots at tracks
FRANKFORT — Newly elected House Speaker Greg Stumbo is pushing legislation to allow video lottery terminals year-round at horse race tracks, but Senate President David Williams says he opposes any expansion of gambling in the state.
Williams, R-Burkesville, said he sees no sentiment for expanded gambling in the Republican-led Senate and doubts it would pass the Democratic-controlled House.
He even predicted that former House Speaker Jody Richards, who for years opposed expansion of gambling but changed his mind in an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2007, “will return to his Church of Christ roots now” and oppose the measure.
Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, said VLTs at the tracks could raise $700 million a year for the state when in full operation.
But Williams expressed doubt about that. He said he opposes expanded gambling because it creates too many social illis, it has hurt candidates in Kentucky elections and the state doesn’t have the population to support it.
Williams said he looks forward to working with Stumbo but he would not make expanded gambling his first issue to push if he were the top leader in the House.
Williams’ comments came during a press availability in his Capitol office.
Waiting for him in his outer office were Keeneland President Nick Nicholson, Turfway President Bob Elliston, Keeneland lobbyist Judy Taylor and Turfway lobbyist Ellen Williams.
Editor's comment: You can give it to David Williams to come up with the comment about Jody Richards, and you can kiss expanded gambling goodbye this session.
Labels: Democratism, Kentucky politics, Republicanism
posted by KYJurisDoctor at 8:57 PM
5 Comments:
From what I understand, the standard Church of Christ approach to Scripture-- in particular, to be silent where the Bible is silent-- does not allow a position on gambling.
I agree with President Williams on his comment about Jody Richards and his possible opposition to expanded gambling.
Eric:
Could you elaborate some more on this?
I have been invited and I gone to Church of Christ a few times with some friends, including the now Congressman, Brett Guthrie, but I don't know much about the Church of Christ or its beliefs.
Stay blessed.
John:
So Jody was for it for political expediency?
Stay blessed, too.
I think that is a real possibility.
I agree with President Williams that increased gambling, of any type, in Kentucky is bad policy. I have personally seen the devastation that it can do to families, through clients I have represented.
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