By Lisa Autry/KPR
Frankfort, KY – At least one Republican member of the Kentucky General Assembly says he's willing to work with Governor Steve Beshear on expanded gambling.
Scott County Republican Damon Thayer recently had two meetings with the democratic governor. While they disagree on most issues, the two both say it's time to let Kentuckians decide once and for all whether gambling options should be expanded.
"I'm not really big on it, but this issue has been percolating in Kentucky since 1994. And we need to deal with once and for all by putting it on the ballot and letting the people decide."
Senator Thayer is helping Governor Besehar draw up language for an amendment to the State Constitution. The House and Senate would have to approve the amendment before going to voters in November. Senate Republican President David Williams isn't pleased that one of his members is working with the governor.
"It's the governor's bill, and he has evidently enrolled at least one Republican in the Senate to help him write the language, which I feel it seems very strange."
President Williams says Thayer is "representing himself, not Senate Republicans."