Sunday, February 11, 2007

The Virginia Senate gave preliminary approval yesterday to a measure that
would allow Colonial Downs, the horse racing track east of Richmond, to
offer a new form of off-track gambling that would generate as much as $300
million annually that could be directed toward transportation needs. A
similar measure was defeated last week in the House. But the idea is sure to
resurface as lawmakers work toward striking a transportation deal this
session. Del. John S. Reid (R-Henrico), who pushed the measure to a vote on
the House floor, said the relatively close 54 to 42 vote shows that
lawmakers should continue to look at the gambling bill to help pay for
transportation improvements. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) has said that he has
not ruled out supporting the gambling bill.