The Family Foundation takes on gambling push
Former Rep. Stan Cave tapped to head special policy initiative
From, The Kentucky Citizen Digest, March/April, 2002.

Former State Rep. Stan Cave of Lexington has agreed to head up The Family Foundation’s special policy initiative to stop the expansion of gambling in Kentucky. Regarded as one of the most articulate and vigorous defenders of family values in the General Assembly during his eight-year tenure in the House of Representatives, (1993 to 2000).  Cave, who was Minority Caucus Chairman for four years, will coordinate the project.

Those arrayed against the expansion of gambling hope that Cave will bring the same intelligence and forcefulness to the issue that he brought to a host of issues during his time as a legislator.  The former lawmaker plans on addressing several aspects of the gambling issue, including the social, economic and cultural costs to the state.

“Like many Kentuckians,” Cave said, “I value the culture and traditions of this state, and nothing could be more disruptive to the Commonwealth than the introduction of casino-style gambling.  I think Kentuckians have an instinctive understanding that the decisions to expand gambling could change the very culture of this state, and could have deeply negative economic and social consequences.”

Although, at press time, no bill has been presented in the legislature, it is widely anticipated that a bill will be introduced late in the session, or that it could be sneaked into the budget bill.  In fact, the delay in presenting a bill drew fire from Cave on his first appearance on KET’s Kentucky Tonight program on February 11.  “Where’s the bill?” he asked.  “We owe to the public to be able to see a bill and to be able to debate it publicly.  The public will not stand for a stealth strategy on this issue.”

“No one is better suited to handle this project than Stan Cave,” said Kent Ostrander, The Family Foundation’s executive
director. “His credibility as an experienced and respected state policymaker will force the powers that be to sit up and listen.”

In addition, as a part of its overall strategy, The Family Foundation has also enlisted the assistance of David Samford, a Lexington political consultant, to serve as legislative agent.  He will join Senior Policy Analyst Martin Cothran as a point person in Frankfort in the anti-casino effort.

The gambling issue arose with renewed force this year because for the first time, it has attracted the support of horse racing interests.  The tracks are wagering that video slot machines can focus casino-style gambling on the tracks.  They are also banking on the notion that slots will not completely displace horse racing, as has occurred in Nevada.

According to Cave, “The bottom line is that the gambling industry is betting that the people of Kentucky are stupid, and can be taken for millions.  I believe they’ve made a serious miscalculation.”  

Key Family Foundation Contacts: Kent Ostrander , Executive Director Martin Cothran , Senior Associate Policy Analyst