Dec 17, 2007 6:13 pm US/Central
Quinn Wants Referendum On Gambling Expansion
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn said he sent the governor a letter reminding him that as running mates they both promised "to vote to oppose any large-scale expansion of gambling."
CBS
With another mass transit "doomsday" set for Jan. 20, key state legislators are warning the General Assembly may not be ready to act until a few days before that deadline, and there's new trouble for a proposed source of transit cash.
As CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports, Gov. Rod Blagojevich's own lieutenant governor is demanding that voters be consulted first in a statewide referendum.
"I think this is a perfect example of where the voters are needed to weigh in on their opinion," Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn said Monday.
He said he sent his boss an open letter reminding him that as running mates in 2002 and 2006 they both promised "to vote to oppose any large-scale expansion of gambling."
But, the governor has now endorsed a plan for seven new Chicago area casinos that would more than triple the amount of casino gambling in the area.
"Before we go jumping into the casino approach to government, we better ask the voters if they think that's a good bet," Quinn said.
"If we're going to start doing everything by referendum, well, may we should just dissolve the General Assembly and do everything by referendum," State Rep. Robert Molaro said.
He's warning about the slow pace of backroom bargaining in which expanded casino gambling is proposed as a funding source for mass transit as well as new roads, bridges and schools.
"Unfortunately, the General Assembly, we're like eighth graders do out term paper at the last possible day. I don't hold out any hope that we're not going to do the same thing this time," Molaro said.
The governor's among referendum skeptics. A spokesperson said, "In the spirit of compromise, and in the interest of making sure we fund mass transit and repair aging roads, bridges and schools, he's willing to accept a gaming expansion as a better source of revenue than raising taxes on people."
Sources told CBS 2 News that the governor's chief of staff was calling legislators Monday to asked if it would be productive to convene a special session Thursday and Friday. That is not popular with lawmakers preparing for a holiday with their families. The General Assembly may not reconvene until Jan. 3.
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