Lottery to be proposed again

Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2000 | 11:08 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Supporters of a state lottery say the new state Senate may look more favorably at lottery legislation when the 102nd General Assembly convenes in January.

"I think this year we have a good chance of passing something," said Senate Majority Leader Ward Crutchfield, D-Chattanooga. He said some freshmen senators and veteran Republican lawmakers may be more receptive because they're tired of seeing the issue brought up year after year.

Murfreesboro attorney Larry Trail, a Democrat who made the lottery a campaign issue, replaced Sen. Andy Womack, D-Murfreesboro. Womack, an adamant opponent of lottery legislation, did not seek re-election.

"I've promised to try and pass a lottery bill, and that is what I intend to do," Trail said. "I'm tired of seeing Tennessee money go across state lines."

Newly re-elected Sen. Bill Clabough, R-Maryville, opposed lottery legislation in the past, but said he will consider voting for a referendum because constituents told him during the campaign they wanted the opportunity to vote.

Sen. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, is the sponsor of a bill that would ask voters if they want to amend the constitution to allow a lottery. It won a simple majority in the state House and Senate last session. Both chambers must pass it by a two-thirds majority to get the question on the ballot for the 2002 gubernatorial election.