Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Revenge Is Dish Best Served Cold
The Democrats are in full press mode on legislation that would allow slots at racetracks. Most of the dire warnings about the horse industry are attempts to put pressure on Sen David Williams in the Senate to pass the gambling bill. While many think Sen Williams will be the key person on this issue, I think another may turn out to play a bigger role on the issue of slots at tracks. The unlikely candidate? Spurned former Speaker of the House Jody Richards. He was the one who asked for the AG's vapid opinion on the constitutionality of such legislation. It was in the story covering the AG's opinion that I found this tidbit.
For that reason alone I wouldn't be surprised if Richards silently leads the charge against slots. Why not? He was burned by the Governor two sessions ago over the gambling issue. Why would he carry his water now? The biggest proponent of the slots bill is the current Speaker, Greg Stumbo. What better way to get revenge from the person who took your place than to torpedo his top legislative priority? I think this is a golden opportunity for Richards to pay back the Governor and Stumbo in spades.
Yes, I definitely think it will be interesting to see what happens this week in Frankfort.
I imagine the Richards still has a substantial amount of support in the house. I know he lost the speakership, but I doubt it was by many votes. He probably still has a core collection of loyal supporters. If he rallies his troops and the Republicans mostly hold the line against the legislation then I doubt the slots bill will make it out of the house for the senate to even consider. A move the will embarass both the Speaker and the Governor.Richards said he tried to ask the question the same way it was posed to former Attorney General Ben Chandler, who said an amendment was needed.
The difference "just points up even more that there has to be a court decision on it," said Richards, adding that he believes an amendment is needed and that he will oppose Beshear's bill.
For that reason alone I wouldn't be surprised if Richards silently leads the charge against slots. Why not? He was burned by the Governor two sessions ago over the gambling issue. Why would he carry his water now? The biggest proponent of the slots bill is the current Speaker, Greg Stumbo. What better way to get revenge from the person who took your place than to torpedo his top legislative priority? I think this is a golden opportunity for Richards to pay back the Governor and Stumbo in spades.
Yes, I definitely think it will be interesting to see what happens this week in Frankfort.
Posted by at 3:43 PM in Kentucky Politics
