McDaniel approves language of lottery ballot initiative - The Battle Begins Again!

by Jason Wiest, Arkansas News Bureau: The language of Lt. Gov. Bill Halter's proposed constitutional amendment to create a state-run lottery to fund college scholarships received Attorney General Dustin McDaniel's approval Thursday. The attorney general's certification of the popular name and ballot title of the lottery proposal clears the way for supporters to begin gathering the 78,000 signatures needed to place the measure on the 2008 general election ballot. . . .

The definition of a lottery in the second version was satisfactory, but still questionable, McDaniel said."I should point out, however, an argument exists that the term 'state lotteries' in the ballot title is unclear, and that the title is incomplete for failing to reveal the amendment's full effect," McDaniel wrote in an opinion issued by his office. "Nevertheless, because the text of the amendment contains no specifics as to the term 'state lotteries,' no corresponding summary can be substituted in the ballot title."

The head of a conservative Christian group in Arkansas that opposes the proposal said Thursday that not specifically defining a state lottery would confuse voters. Jerry Cox, executive director of the Family Council, said the proposal was so broad that it could open the door for multiple state-run lotteries, instant-win tickets "or almost any game of chance in which people gamble." . . . Opponents say a state lottery would cause poor families to spend money on lottery tickets when the money would be better spent on essentials, while supporters say Arkansans are already spending money on lotteries in nearby states and that the money might as well fund scholarships in Arkansas. . . . [Read More] [ARRA Note: As noted in the past: Lt. Gov. Bill Halter's is "hell bent" on bringing sin, gambling and we expect "increased pornography" to Arkansas. So far what we predicted before he was elected is coming true. Looks like the Lt Gov.'s office has more power than people gave it credit for in the past.]

---

Tags: Arkansas, Bill Halter, gambling, lottery To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!