Alabama senator warns gambling referendum could energize Democrats
When the Alabama Legislature convenes in March 2024, it is expected to take up gambling, an issue that has been discussed in nearly every legislative session since 1999. A Senate Republican says asking voters to amend Alabama's constitution to expand gambling may not be a wise political decision.
In an interview on FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show," state Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Baldwin) said Republicans should not consider a gambling referendum next year. That's because there are likely to be more Democratic voters. Elliott said since it's a presidential election year and voter turnout is typically high, questions about legalizing casinos, sports betting, lotteries or other forms of gambling may only further encourage Democratic voters to turn out.
Elliott noted that Alabama recently redrawn its congressional maps, and several races are expected to be close, the most important of which may be the one in the redrawn 2nd Congressional District.
I think it's pretty reasonable to say that limiting presidential elections to gambling is a mistake," Elliott said."It will increase Democratic turnout. This is not what a majority in either chamber should do. "
Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said last month that he believed the state should put a gambling package before voters. He believes Alabamians already gamble in neighboring states through illegal online sites or underground casinos. Ledbetter believes that legalizing this activity will ensure consumer protection, create jobs, stimulate the economy and provide the state with new tax revenue.
Election Redistricting
In 2022, a federal court ordered Alabama to allow court-appointed special representatives to redraw its congressional districts. U.S. District Judge Stanley Marcus, U.S. District Judges Anna Manasco and Terry Mueller ruled that it was unconstitutional for the Alabama Legislature to cram black voters into the 7th Congressional District.
Congressional redrawn maps threaten Republican strongholds in CD-2, which now includes the southern Black Belt from Mobile County to the Georgia border.
We want to focus on what’s happening in CD-2, and if the Republicans have a chance to win, I absolutely don’t want to undermine that with any legislative action,” Elliott continued.
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R) represents the current CD-2 district, which will be replaced by a redrawn district in January 2025. Moore will seek re-election in Alabama's newly enacted CD-1.
In CD-2, the field will include state Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore), a staunch supporter of gambling measures in recent legislative sessions. Political observers predict a Democratic victory in the new CD-2. No Democrat has represented CD-2 since Bobby Bright was ousted in the November 2010 election.
Big Odds
Gambling issues have been circulating around the state Capitol during legislative sessions since 1999, when Alabama residents voted against establishing a state lottery. No one passed.
Alabama has no lottery, no commercial casinos, no tribal casinos with Las Vegas style slot machines and table games, no sports betting, no racetracks, and no online gambling. There are only three tribal casinos in the state that offer bingo electronic games.
Elliott said he's not too concerned about the 2024 state Legislature meeting to pass gambling laws and pose such an issue to voters.
"To be honest. I think the whole game discussion has a long way to go before we find any solutions," Elliott concluded.
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Source: www.casino.org
