Thursday Round Up: Casinos Split on Compromise

Joe Mathews — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:14:00 -0400

CASINO INTERESTS DIVIDED ON COMPROMISE: It appeared that the Nevada teachers' unoin and casino interests had reached a compromise to avoid a casino tax ballot initiative and replace it with a hotel tax hike for education interests. It was a classic example of how to use the leverage of a ballot initiative to get what you want. But it turns out that not all casinos are happy with the deal. Specifically, the CEOS of the MGM Mirage, Boyd Gaming Company, and the Las Vegas Sands have expressed opposition. That means the new advisory ballot question and legislation on the compromise could face a strong no campaign. If defeated, it's possible the teachers' union could bring back the casino tax.

ARK GOV AGAINST IMMIGRATION INITIATIVE: Mike Beebe, the Democratic governor of Arkansas, announces his opposition a ballot initiative, now gathering signatures, that would deny public services to unauthorized immigrants. The endorsement in this race that I'd like to see is that of former Gov. Mike Huckabee, whose record as governor was pro-immigrant but who reversed himself as a presidential candidate, going so far as to question birthright citizenship for the children of unauthorized immigrants.

GAY MARRIAGE DECISION A BOON TO MCCAIN? The Weekly Standard thinks that the California Supreme Court striking down Prop 22, the state's ban on gay marriage, is a boon for John McCain, who opposed the decision by the Republican-dominated court, and a problem for Barack Obama, who supported the decision.

DW HEARTS TAX REFORM: The Sacramento Bee's Dan Walters devotes a column to tax reform, and quotes New America colleague Mark Paul on the subject.