GOP officials hold press conference to blast gambling initiatives

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Three Republican officials announce Monday their plans to oppose statewide initiatives related to the lottery and gambling at state horse tracks. <br/><br/>Oklahoma County District

Monday, October 25th 2004, 1:15 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Three Republican officials announce Monday their plans to oppose statewide initiatives related to the lottery and gambling at state horse tracks.

Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane and Congressmen Ernest Istook and John Sullivan say the state should not be involved with gambling.

Lane says more gambling will lead to an increase in criminal activity as gamblers steal to finance their addictions.

Lane also says drug dealers, prostitutes and thieves are drawn to gaming venues.

Istook says State Questions 705, 706 and 712 will bring -- quote -- ``irrefutable harm'' on the state. He says gambling preys on the state's poorest citizens and results in increased crime, divorce, bankruptcies and suicide.

Supporters of the initiatives say the lottery and gaming proposals will result in millions of new dollars for education without raising taxes.