FRANKFORT, Ky. — Key House members said yesterday that Gov. Steve Beshear had overreached in proposing as many as 12 casinos in Kentucky but that a scaled-back version of the plan stands a better chance of passage.
“I think 12 is too many,” said Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark, D-Louisville.
Beshear unveiled his long-awaited gambling plan Thursday, calling for a constitutional amendment to allow seven racetrack-operated casinos and five casinos at other locations along the state’s borders.
He estimated that his proposal would raise $600 million a year at a time when the state urgently needs additional revenue.
It received a cool initial reception, even among Beshear’s fellow Democrats, and faces serious opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate.
The amendment needs 60 votes in the 100-member House and 23 in the 38-member Senate to be submitted to the voters in November for final approval.
During debate yesterday, Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, asked members of the chamber who supported the amendment to stand.
Only three Democrats did — Denise Harper Angel and Tim Shaughnessy, both of Louisville, and David Boswell of Owensboro — though others have gone on record in support of casinos.
“Three out of 38,” Williams said. “There you are, governor. You’ve got a long way to go.”

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