Court takes up challenge to gambling board pick

Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004 | 9:16 a.m.

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A hearing on a legal challenge to the appointment of a state legislator to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board ended inconclusively Wednesday, but a lawyer for the appointee said the judge's questions made him optimistic about the eventual result.

Attorney General Jerry Pappert is suing in Commonwealth Court to block the appointment of state Rep. Jeffrey W. Coy, D-Franklin, by House Minority Leader H. William DeWeese, D-Greene.

Coy resigned his legislative seat Sept. 2, nearly three months before his 11th term was scheduled to expire. DeWeese named him to the post the next day.

Pappert's lawsuit alleges the appointment violated a state constitutional provision that restricts lawmakers from taking certain appointed offices.

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