Small Town News

Booth: I oppose gambling in Sussex

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Faces Bodenweiser in state Senate primary

Regardless of the outcome of the Tuesday, Sept. 14 primary, Sen. Joe Booth, R-Georgetown, is making it clear he is opposed to the expansion of gambling into Sussex County. A story about the primaries in the Friday, Sept. 10 edition of the Cape Gazette stated that Booth supported a new gambling venue in Sussex County

Booth said he understands there might be some confusion on his stand because as the former representative of the 37th District, he said he would not stand in the way of gambling expansion as long as certain requirements, including attainment of local zoning and dates for harness racing, were attained. He said that stand was a reflection of the majority of residents who lived in the district he represented from 2002 to 2009.

He said all of that's moot now because he has changed his position to reflect sentiment in the 19th District. Booth vacated his representative seat in a special election in August 2009 to fill the state Senate seat vacated when longtime Sen. Thurman Adams of Bridgeville passed away. Adams, who died June 23, 2009, held the seat for 37 years.

"Now representing the 19th District, it's clear people in the district don't support the expansion of gambling for moral reasons and for protection of the Delaware State Fair," he said. "This is more in line with my personal feelings because I am morally opposed to gambling and using gambling revenue to balance the state's budget."

A portion of the revenues from Midway Slots in Harrington is turned over to improve and support the state fair. Opponents of gambling expansion into Sussex County, the only county in the state without a gambling venue, say the move would decrease revenue at other venues.

Booth said he has voted against several pieces of gambling legislation including allowing table games at existing gambling venues and sports betting.

Booth faces opposition from Eric Bodenweiser, another opponent to the expansion of gambling, in Tuesday's primary.





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