Senate turns down Williams’ measure on expanded gambling
Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville
Williams, R-Burkesville, argued that it would “let the people decide” if they want expanded gambling.
But opponents contended it would make it much more difficult to expand gambling.
The Senate vote was 21-16 in favor of the measure. However, it required 23 votes – or three-fifths of the chamber membership– for passage because it was a constitutional amendment.
Republicans outnumber Democrats in the Senate 20-17, with independent Bob Leeper of Paducah generally siding with the GOP. Sen. Joey Pendleton, D-Hopkinsville, was absent for Thursday’s vote.
There was no floor debate on Williams’ Senate Bill 2 but Sen. Kathy Stein, D-Lexington, said in explaining her vote that the measure was a referendum and noted that Williams has consistently said Kentucky is not a referendum state.
Williams later said Stein’s statement was “ridiculous,” and maintained that his measure was not a referendum.
Williams also said he was expecting some Democratic support for his bill but the Democratic senators remained committed to Senate Minority Leader Ed Worley, D-Richmond.
“Anyone who did not vote for that amendment and claims they are against the expansion of gambling might have a hard time in explaining that vote,” Williams said.
Proponents of expanded gambling have argued that they can be allowed under existing laws, but there have been conflicting opinions by state attorneys general on whether a constitutional amendment is necessary.
Williams denied that he pushed his amendment to get “no” votes by Democrats on the record to use against them in fall elections.
“I don’t call a piece of legislation that I don’t think can’t pass or doesn’t deserve to be passed,” Williams said.
–Jack Brammer
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Jamie Hines | Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
Williams, Williams, Williams…
Stop trying to look like the great mediator, it doesn’t become you because your history shows that you have alternative motives that include self-interest.
You have failed to lead this state except in a negative direction; our current economic, election and tax issues are only there because of your lack of leadership in the “continuity” part of government, the senate.
Since you have been president of the senate for so long you can not blame the lack of progress in this state on anyone but yourself. YOU HAVE FAILED, MISERABLY.
Killing us | Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
That picture is definitely more appropriate for the way Williams actually conducts business in this state, as if he were a preacher telling us we will all burn in he!! because of our bad morales.
It also illustrates his DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO philosophy; isn’t that right Mr. Closet Gambler.
Carolyn | Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
I applaud Senator Williams for being pro-active in fighting our governor’s attempt at dragging this blessed state into the ground with expanded gambling. Our governor is the one that LIED about letting the “people decide” and now we see who is trying to weasel it in again!
notjnewberry | Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
it’s hard to tell which way is up with these people. it is clear that they get all tangled up in knots and ignore the big picture. We need true leaders.
Moderate Republican | Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
Please, David Williams… stop making our party look bad! I may not like gambling personally, but it IS good for the Commonwealth. You only look pig-headed, and do not represent hard-working, tax-paying Republicans who are tired of no progress in Kentucky. Please, stop making the party look bad!
yeah right | Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
While the Republicans in Washington D C run the Country into the ditch, Mr. Williams just chooses to keep Kentucky in the ditch it has been in for years. Is he and people like Mitch McConnell the best Kentucky has to offer, if so we should all just move………
Bob | Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
David Williams is the best friend an Indiana casino could ask for.
It is incredible how devoted he is to them. Almost as if they own him. Who knows–maybe they do?
Paul | Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
David’s reputation has finally came home to haunt him. It doesn’t take a fool to figure out that he wrote the amendment in such a manner that actually makes it more difficult to expand gambling in this state. If you shake hands with Williams on any issue, you’d better count your ringers afterward.