Oklahoma gaming debate heats up; threat alleged

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Debate over a gaming bill heated up Monday as a leading foe disputed claims that the measure would raise $71-million. <br><br>Republican Representative Forrest Claunch of Midwest

Monday, February 23rd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Debate over a gaming bill heated up Monday as a leading foe disputed claims that the measure would raise $71-million.

Republican Representative Forrest Claunch of Midwest City says there is no way the bill would raise the amount of money supporters say it will.

However, the director of the Office of state Finance and lead negotiator on Indian gaming compacts says he is ``very confident'' the bill will bring in $71-million when fully implemented.

Governor Brad Henry has promoted the measure as a means to save the horse race industry and 50,000 state jobs.

Claunch says expanding gaming to three pari-mutuel race tracks in the state will exacerbate the social problems associated with gambling, such as addiction to the activity, divorce and suicide.

The lawmaker also claimed that he had received threatening and intimidating telephone calls from a proponent of the bill.

Claunch declined to identify the caller.