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Graham Will Get Say On Poarch Creek Slots At Gretna
January 29, 2016
The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday said former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham can file a friend-of-the-court brief to oppose the possibility of slot machines at a Gadsden County pari-mutuel facility operated by the Poarch Creek Indians of Atmore.
Graham, represented by former state lawmaker Dan Gelber, sought permission Wednesday to file a brief in a case in which Gretna Racing argues it should be allowed to offer slot machines.
The 1st District Court of Appeal in October sided with Gov. Rick Scott’s administration, which contends that slot machines would require legislative approval. Gadsden County voters in 2012 approved a referendum aimed at allowing slots, and Gretna Racing argues it should be allowed to offer the lucrative machines.
The filing Wednesday said Gretna Racing opposed Graham’s request to file a brief. The Wednesday document said Graham will argue, in part, that Gretna Racing’s interpretation of state law “contradicts the Florida Constitution’s prohibition against lotteries.”
The Supreme Court’s Gretna decision could have wide-ranging implications because voters in Brevard, Hamilton, Lee, Palm Beach and Washington counties also have approved referendums seeking to allow slot machines.
by The News Service of Florida
Comments
3 Responses to “Graham Will Get Say On Poarch Creek Slots At Gretna”
I oppose gambling expansion. The negative impact of any new casinos in Gadsden (Gretna), Brevard, Lee, Hamilton, Washington or Palm Beach Counties will extend far beyond the counties where these local referendums were held.
I agree with Bethea that gambling expansion outside of Dade and Broward will require a new amendment to the state constitution. Pam Bondi is either not smart enough or honest enough to pursue this legal argument. Thank goodness for Bob Graham.
I’m not sure of Bob Graham’s argument. but the following legal journal article makes a compelling case that a new constitutional amendment is necessary.
https://www.floridabar.org/DIVCOM/JN/JNJournal01.nsf/4f0361bef4af101e85256f4e004d0fef/b1b71d850ad5735685257bd40065c592!OpenDocument#sthash.00zfvhZq.dpuf
Not everything boils down to liberal vs. conservative, Sage 2. Traditionally, conservatives oppose any expansion of gambling while liberals support it. Many older generation politicians in Florida are beholden to the Disney Corporation, and Disney is vehemently opposed to gambling. I am sure this is where Graham’s opposition is coming from.
I fully support the expansion of casino gaming in Florida, but to be fair, the gambling amendment approved by voters years ago only allows for slot machines in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. To expand statewide would require a new amendment to the state constitution.
Bob Graham should enjoy his retirement and let the people decide what is appropriate for gambling or for that matter anything else. Keep your liberalism to yourself, Bob!