Stumbo: Gambling Bill Doesn't Have to Start in the Senate

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Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo is no longer demanding that any legislation calling for a constitutional amendment to legalize gambling start in the Senate. Stumbo told reporters Thursday, "that line in the sand doesn't have to be drawn any longer." Stumbo and Governor Steve Beshear are hopeful that the departure of Senate President David Williams will improve the chances of getting a bill passed.

Williams, an opponent of casino gambling, resigned earlier this month to become a circuit judge in southern Kentucky. Beshear has said he's hopeful lawmakers may approve a constitutional amendment after they convene in January. If lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment, it would go on the ballot in 2014 for Kentucky voters to ratify or reject.