Attorney general again rejects proposed measure

Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005 | 9:32 a.m.

LITTLE ROCK -- For a second time, Attorney General Mike Beebe has rejected an attempt by state Rep. Charles Ormond to get approval for a ballot proposal to authorize a state-run gambling operation.

In an opinion released Monday that was sent to Ormond, D-Morrilton, Beebe cited a typographical error and two ambiguities in the language submitted by Ormond, who would be named the director of the proposed commission at the outset.

Beebe said he was unable to alter Ormond's proposal to meet standards for inclusion of the measure on the ballot, as state law allows the attorney general to do.

"A number of additions or changes to your popular name and ballot title will be necessary in order to more fully and correctly summarize your proposal," Beebe wrote. "I cannot, however, at this time, fairly or completely summarize the effect of your proposed measure ... without the resolution of this typographical error and consideration of the listed ambiguities."

On May 4, Beebe had rejected an earlier attempt by Ormond to get approval for the proposed popular name and ballot title for an amendment to the state constitution setting up a gambling operation.