Forbes says gambling should be state, local issue

Steve Humm

Friday, June 26, 1998 | 11:28 a.m.

Steve Forbes, 1996 presidential candidate and wealthy magazine executive, was noncommittal Thursday on whether gaming's expansion is good for the United States.

Prior to speaking to the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists convention in Las Vegas, Forbes said the expansion of gaming "is something that should be decided at the local or state level."

Forbes would not comment on the potential impact on the national economy, saying gaming is "not just an economic issue."

Forbes was amazed at the amount of building under way in the Las Vegas area, and he was optimistic about the prospects for Las Vegas despite stagnant tourist volume.

He did not predict a slump but said he expects the economy as a whole to recover if one does occur.

"Las Vegas has slumped before," he said. "Contrary to expert opinion it has always seemed to come back stronger than ever."

In his speech to the cartoonists he spoke like a man on the campaign trail.

Forbes said America now holds an unprecedented position as the world's only super power and faces a real responsibility.

"If America gets it right, the rest of the world has a chance to get it right," he said.

He focused primarily on his own solutions to what he described as "drift, indecision, and plain bad politics" in the United States.

Forbes denounced current U.S. economic and foreign policy, saying they are a threat to the growth and prosperity the country is experiencing.

He revisited the flat tax, which was his big issue during the presidential election, and attacked the IRS and the tax code.

"No human being knows what's in there," he said.

When pressed, Forbes said he doesn't feel Americans hold a grudge against millionaires in politics. He said voters are more concerned with candidates' plans and abilities.

Forbes said that as the recent poor performance of millionaires in California politics reveals, "It's not the money per se, it's the message."