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Pawlenty slams door on racino

Posted at 1:15 PM on December 14, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (2 Comments)
Filed under: Tim Pawlenty

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is re-affirming his opposition to an expansion of gambling in Minnesota, including the ongoing effort to allow slot machines at two horse racing tracks.

Last week, Sen. Dick Day, R-Owatonna, announced he was resigning to lobby full time for the so-called racino proposal. Day also claimed the governor had told him he would sign the bill if it passed. Pawlenty, who was out of the country last week, told reporters today that he doesn't know what Day was referring to. He said expanding gambling is not the way to go in Minnesota.

"Some years ago, my administration proposed trying to provide some competition in the gaming area by allowing some of the northern tribes to partner with the state to compete with existing gaming interests," Pawlenty explained. "That proposal went nowhere, as has most other similar proposals over the years in the legislature. And so we've said, and I would repeat, I'm not interested in going down that road again. And I've said that many times."

Racino supporters say additional gambling could help solve the state's budget deficit, and potentially fund a new Vikings stadium.

Comments (2)

"Slams Door" is a huge overstatement. Simply put, he can't. The Racino issue would probably be put on the ballot and the Governor has no control over the amendment process. No veto power. In this statement, the Governor is saying he won't be working for racinos as he did a few years back when his efforts came up empty. His past support shows he has no philosophical problem.

Posted by Gibson Carothers | December 14, 2009 4:31 PM

Since when does Pawlenty become dictator and I thought this was America were the "We the People" were from. NFL which means not for long.

Posted by MJ | December 15, 2009 10:18 PM

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The feature examines statements made by Minnesota politicians and checks them for accuracy. Based on data analysis, document reviews and interviews with non-partisan analysts, statements are rated either true, false or inconclusive. PoliGraph is a collaboration between Minnesota Public Radio News and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. More

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