Table Games Vote: Setting the Stage

The House of Delegates has moved up the start of its floor session by 1 hour, to 10 a.m., with the racetrack table games bill on the agenda for a vote on passage.

This would be the first time that the full House voted on table games since the issue emerged several years ago. Its passage by the House Judiciary and Finance committees, and Thursday's floor debate, were also milestones for such legislation.

As I pointed out in The Associated Press story on Thursday's action, none of the amendments backed by the bill's opponents garnered more than 39 votes.

The bid to require a constitutional amendment -- a provision with supporters beyond the House's gambling foes -- attracted only 37 votes.

Judiciary Chairwoman Carrie Webster, D-Kanawha, walked point for the bill during much of the four-and-a-half hour debate, as her committee was one of the two that had earlier debated, amended and endorsed it.

Delegate John Doyle, D-Jefferson, was the most successful among the amendment sponsors, winning 5 of 9 votes. Doyle's district includes Charles Town Races & Slots, but that does not automatically make him a bill supporter. The ongoing tension between the tracks owners and those who breed, train, care for and ride its horses was evident in the substance of his amendments.

Delegate Corey Palumbo, D-Kanawha, led the charge on requiring a constitutional amendment (and statewide vote).

Others who proposed failed amendments include House Minority Leader Tim Armstead and Delegate Patrick Lane, both R-Kanawha. Their district includes Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center, but they oppose the bill on several grounds.

Delegate Kelli Sobonya, R-Cabell, had sponsored four amendments but then withdrew them all before Thursday's debate ended.

Other coverage of Thursday's amendment phase comes from The Charleston Gazette, the Register-Herald of Beckley, MetroNews (with audio) and W.Va. Media.