Governor Not Really “Neutral” on Slot Machine Bill

Rep. Lou Lang has been trying to convince people that more slot machines are exactly what the state of Illinois needs. Governor Rod Blagojevich has been adamantly opposed to the slot machines, and has let that be known to all that encourage gaming bills to come through the legislature. He discourages gaming bills from coming through by letting them know that if a slot machine bill ends up on his desk, he is going to veto it.

However, Lang recently said that the governor was “neutral” on the bill, and therefore he was planning on pushing to bring in legislation that would allow slot machines at the state’s racetracks. One would think it odd that the governor would change his mind after all of this time, and now be looking to possibly endorse slot machine expansion.

But when you listen to the text, it sounds as though he might be opposed to them after all. He said that he would not “get in the way” of Lang’s attempts, leaving one to think that he may not put roadblocks in his way – but it does not sound as though he would approve more slot machines either. At no point did he say he would not veto it.

Then you ask his camp about it, and they say that the governor is looking at all possibilities, and not willing to rule out slot machines just yet. So now he sounds as though he is for slot machine expansion. The residents of the state just want to know where the governor stands on the slot machines, because right now he is giving conflicting signals.

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