There are three big gaming proposals on the table at the state capitol and two of them face real challenges.
Monday afternoon a senate committee struck down both Governor Tim Pawlenty's plan to bring a casino to the Twin Cities and Senator Dick Day?s plan for a racino, which involves adding slots to Canterbury Park.
In both cases, the vote was 10 - 4.
Senators on the committee heard from supporters who said the Governor?s plan would greatly help the small Minnesota tribes.
On their side, Dave Anderson, of Famous Dave's, who spoke in support of the plan.
But representatives of southern Minnesota tribes spoke in opposition, saying a new casino will take money away from them. They also pointed out that Pawlenty once vowed not to support expanded gambling.
Then there was the issue of constitutionality. Many senators believe the amendment passed years ago, involved only a lottery, a ticket based lottery.
Monday's votes are a blow Pawlenty as he attempts to balance the state budget without raising taxes.
The only way these bills can be revived is as an amendment to another bill.
(Copyright 2005 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
