Slot machines, advocated by Gov. Robert Ehrlich were finally pronounced dead. The Governor expressed his frustration from the fact that slot referendum will not be placed on the ballot next to his name, as was unequivocally said to him by the opposing leadership. The governor said that there is only one way to interpret it, which is that slots would not see the light for at least two more years.
Different versions of the slots bill were passed in Senate and House. At the end, it seems, the House has managed to pull the rope onto its side, suppressing ruthlessly its Senate contender. The House plan presupposes significantly fewer number of slots and requires competitive bidding to locate them at four sites.
Busch revoked all the criticism cast on the House bill and proposals for its partial revision. He argued that the Senate should have accepted the bill as it is. The House bill passed last month by one vote.
