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The Pundit - By Scott Saxton
So Where's Obama? - 62 Comments Posted
The Clinton family appears to have set up shop in West Virginia, but I just keep hearing "talk" of when Obama will appear. (Read Blog)
WV & KY: A Graceful Exit for Hillary? - 31 Comments Posted
We're listening to the real pundit -- Tim Russert. (Read Blog)
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It's not easy being a politician. Everything you say can and is scrutinized. But, I have to admit I chuckled when the governor claimed to have known his daughter from birth Wednesday. (Read Blog)
Posted: 5:36 PM Aug 11, 2007
 Last Updated: 3:41 AM Aug 29, 2007
113 comments Poll
6pm: Election Day Coverage
10pm: Election Night Coverage
11pm: Election Team Coverage
A | A | A


RESULTS:
175 out of 175 Precincts Reporting (100%)
YES: 22,544 Votes (50.04%)
NO: 22,511 Votes (49.96%)


According to the unofficial results from the Kanawha County Board of Elections, the table games issue has passed with Saturday's count, but more votes still need to be counted during the canvass.

 
Did you participate in early voting or did you vote today?
Early voting
Voted Today
 

After the final precinct turned in its count, the board of elections realized that 155 early ballots from 3 three precincts were not counted -- and they were supposed to be counted at the precincts along with Saturday's votes. These 155 ballots have now been counted and are included in the count above.

Kanawha County Clerk Vera McCormick says that more than 500 provisional votes still need to be counted. These will be counted during the vote canvass, where the election results are certified, on August 17th. After the completion of the canvass, anyone can ask for a recount within 48 hours. The cost for calling for a recount is $300.

WHAT IS A PROVISIONAL VOTE? According to McCormick, these votes are consider provisional, or contested:
- Vote casted by a voter at a precinct that is not his/her correct precinct.
- Vote cast by a voter at the correct precinct, but the voter had moved and didn't update his/her address with the board of elections.
- Vote cast by a poll worker who did not participate in early voting and voted where he/she worked, not his/her correct precinct.

McCormick says Saturday's election was the largest turnout for a special election in Kanawha County history.


WSAZ.com ELECTION NIGHT GAME PLAN:

1) ELECTION RESULTS: will be updated on this page as we get them from voters' registration in Charleston. WSAZ reporter Will Jones and photojournalist Chris Atkins are stationed there all night. Keep pressing "refresh" on your browser after the first set of results are posted.

2) LIVE VIDEO STREAM: starting at 9:45pm, we will offer a live feed video from Tri-State Racetrack in Nitro. This video is courtesy of Tri-State Racing.
The live feed is now over.

3) REACTION AT TRI-STATE: WSAZ reporter Paul Gessler and photojournalist Andrew Colegrove are covering the election night action at Tri-State Racetrack. Win or lose, they'll be bringing you live coverage at 10pm on MyZ Ten O'Clock News and at 11pm on NewsChannel 3 Tonight.

4) COMPLETE REACTION: See what both sides have to say about today's election results on MyZ Ten O'Clock News and NewsChannel 3 Tonight.


Prior WSAZ.com Coverage of the Table Games Issue

* Click here to watch a debate between Charleston Mayor Danny Jones and Reverend Dennis Sparks.



INFORMATION ABOUT TODAY'S ELECTION:
By: Associated Press
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Kanawha County voters are going to the polls today to decide if poker, blackjack and other table games should be allowed at Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center.

County Clerk Vera McCormick says turnout has been high, particularly in areas near the Nitro track. Before the election, McCormick was expecting perhaps 25 percent turnout, but now she says it's likely to be higher.

The special election caps a multiyear campaign pitting the state's four tracks against antigambling.

The tracks' parent companies argue the new games will help them blunt competition from surrounding states. Slot casinos began opening in Pennsylvania late last year.

Kanawha is the fourth and final county to vote on table games.

Voters in Ohio County approved table games for Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center in June. And Hancock County voted in favor of table games for Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort in June as well.

Jefferson County, however, rejected the games for Penn National Gaming subsidiary Charles Town Races and Slots.
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Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 23, 2007 at 08:55 PM
SmileyCentral.com
Posted by: Rusty on Aug 17, 2007 at 06:43 PM
Nope, Darren, you're the ignorant one. Most of those busses ARE from out of state. When we lived in Indiana my husband drove a charter bus and brought folks here regularly from Indiana. Another friend drives for a charter company in NC and also comes here often. I see busses in the lot every weekend from all over the eastern US. Very few from WV. Why should they? West Virginians can drive here. And that's better than having them drive (or ride busses) to other states to spend their gambling money as they have done in the past.
Posted by: PhilGordon on Aug 16, 2007 at 11:16 PM
To JW: Then let's ban anything that can become a god to other people including the stock market, sports, a person's own job, or anything that could take precidence over God. So dont even go there. The truth is it's nowhere in the commandments and you church goers are wasting your time on a minor issue when you could be curing hunger or something. That is all.
Posted by: J.W. on Aug 14, 2007 at 09:43 AM
To PhilGordon: You ask where it says in the 10 Commandments where you shouldn't gamble. There is a commandment that says not to put any gods before God. Gambling becomes a god to some people. They put it before the one true God, they put it before their families, and eventually put it before everything else that is important. Maybe some people have control over how much money they spend for gambling, but talk to those people who have lost everything because the "drug" of gambling took hold of their lives and didn't let go until everything they had was in ruins. By the way, we don't live under the law anymore, we live under the grace of God.
Posted by: AW on Aug 14, 2007 at 12:45 AM
Furthermore... You can't quite compare table games to slots, scratch-offs and lotto tickets. There is much more money to be lost and much quicker at that. And I know I couldn't support my family on $9 or even $13 an hour. Barely enough for a college kid to get by on. And that's still below poverty level. The folks working these jobs will still need the benefit of all the tax funded state services this thing will be creating revenue for. Some economic solution! We need more jobs along the lines of the Toyota plant, AEP, Bureau of Public Debt, etc. Jobs with a real benefits package and a high degree of continuity. And what makes you think Charleston will ever be any kind of tourist attraction? It's so dirty, run-down and congested--I go to Parkersburg to do my shopping, even though Charleston is closer. Being criss-crossed with major interstates, it's primarily good for hotels and food industry.
Posted by: AW on Aug 14, 2007 at 12:08 AM
In response: "Posted by: Cody I think there should be an ammendment to this bill saying that if it does not pass the churches will soon have to be taxed. Then we'll see if it's as close as it is now." -- Don't be ridiculous. It's the churches (and other such orgs) who'll be shelling it out to provide food pantries, utility payments and other aid to families in distress because of gambling addiction. All while the Mayor and other Fat Cats' pockets are being lined at the expense of the Working Poor West Virginian. "Destination Resort" -- my rear! Time and statistics will tell the tale...
Posted by: Bruce on Aug 13, 2007 at 06:42 PM
Wow, it just seems no madder what side of the vote on talbe games you are you can not win. This election and the past several elections seem to have controversy as there title. Can we as votes every reall be sure that the voting is correct with all mess ups. ( Found after the elections is over 64 votes, come on we who vote in every election as just getting fed up with all the problems) I am not sure that I will ever vote again! No one will win is this issue if it passes or fails, We as a people, state and county need to get our act together when is comes to how we vote. Too many mistakes too often!
Posted by: David on Aug 13, 2007 at 01:38 PM
The Protestants and other Christians really, really confuse me. We need more Jews like myself in this state. Look at New York. Crawling with Jewish people like myself and it's a state in great shape. Florida, yeah. Plenty of my people there too. Economy is strong too. You want to know why? Because my relegion (the basis for Christianity, by the way) does not mix morals and politics in the modern world.
Posted by: junior on Aug 13, 2007 at 12:59 PM
I don't know where Merrie got her info but it is wrong. According to the federal labor statistics the management will make 40 thousand a year and the others will make 13- 20 thousand a year
Posted by: Franklin on Aug 13, 2007 at 12:38 PM
I find it hard to believe that there is such a debate over table games. The state of WV has very little to offer it's citizens in the job market. For decades now there has been an exodus, young people with any ambition leave the state in search of opportunity elsewhere. What remains are those content to living on the public assitance programs. Who is going to fund these "free loading" programs if there is no work for those willing to do so? Are we just going to let the welfare group whither and die, or do we provide an incintive for business' to come to our region and keep WV's welfare programs going and support the majority? Let your Christian values decide on whether to play, let your humanity values decide on offering (good) jobs to those willing to work, pay taxes and support the welfare bunch that WV is so proud of!
Posted by: Steve on Aug 13, 2007 at 10:34 AM
More crime and prostitution means more Police jobs. It's a win/win!
Posted by: mark on Aug 12, 2007 at 11:23 PM
Dear GOD, save me from your followers.
Posted by: merrie on Aug 12, 2007 at 11:23 PM
Housekeepers start off at around $9.00 hour. The people who count the money over $13.00 hr. Slot tech's $12.00 hour. These wages seem good to me. I work in a hotel in Dunbar and our housekeepers only make $6.75 an hour. That's $320 more a month, maybe these housekeepers can give up their second job. By the way, the track opens at 10 AM.
Posted by: Kris on Aug 12, 2007 at 09:08 PM
This is my opinion. There is already gambling in WV, and there is gambling at the race track anyway. We are simply voting on table games or not, the slots, high rollers room, the dogs, will still be there. I see table games as just another thing to do instead of the quarter slots. I don't gamble, but if someone wants to gamble, that is their business, as well as other things that aren't 'moral' to some. I don't smoke, but if someone wants to smoke, go smoke. I have no right to take away someone's choice to do something they want to do, unless it takes away my choices. It is just table games! They already gamble here, people act like the race track doesn't exist and we are voting on building it. As if there are 2034872384 other tourists spots in Kanawha County. This isn't Lewisburg.
Posted by: Cricket on Aug 12, 2007 at 07:18 PM
Would like to finish my comment as ran out of space below. I was hoping the table games would not pass as it is un real how many people lose their money at Tri-State.First thing is Tri-State and WVa Lottery are not going to let people win, maybe a little and then out of greed people try to win more and then up losing their winnings plus very much more out of the old saying (A Gambler biggest enemy is greed) With the table games, a lot more folks are going to lose very much more money along with many griefs. I have observed many folks go thru it just by the thoughts they can win their money back and beleive me that is not going to happen. All the benefits the Gaming Industry has promised you, what benefit have you received or observed for the Eleder people with them being in Business for twenty yrs promising from first day of business how the schools and senior citzens would benefit from the WVa Lottery. The lottery is as crooked as the gaming system with promises
Posted by: Cricket on Aug 12, 2007 at 07:03 PM
I am a regulator Patron to Tri-State Gaming playing the slot machine and will admit I have lost a lot of money thru the years. That is not the reason for writing, I have seen and heard a lot of stories from the people that I have gotten to know over the years there at Tri-State from filing bankrupsy to losing their savings, losing their homes, way over their limits in credit cards ( easy to get money thru ATM Machines, and Tri-State has plenty of machines around the gaming areas to enable people get more money from Atm and also Cashier Windows to get personal checks cashed at ten percent fee charged of checks cashed, so easy access to easy money) A middleage sit down beside me telling me she was broke as she was broke, she had spent her whole payroll check trying to win her money back and also she didnt know what she was going to do till payday as she had children to take care of. Another older lady telling me she had just maxed her third crdit card not knowing how she would pay it bk.
Posted by: PhilGordon on Aug 12, 2007 at 05:07 PM
Can somebody point out where in the 10 commandments it says no gambling?
Posted by: Jim Hale on Aug 12, 2007 at 04:08 PM
to leah and others. By the grace of God I will never step into the dog track. This reply form will not allow me go into great detail of how gambling harms families. I write a weekly column for a newspaper. I wrote on this a few weeks back. If you would like more detail please go to this link.."http://www.lincolnstandard.com/main.asp?SectionID=26&SubSectionID=301&ArticleID=1933&TM=56694.07". Not to pick on leah, but you and others must not see the full picture of gambling when it becomes addictive. People cannot stop and will waste their full pay check to win. Yes it is a bad choice, but it is not the choice of the young child who needs food, but has none because mom has gambled all the money away. Its not the choice of the kid to go without doctor care, because dad spent all the money at the track. Its not a bad choice of the wife, when her house is sold out because her hubby gave away their pay check. Gambling is a bad choice, but the choice hurts the kids.
Posted by: leah on Aug 12, 2007 at 01:16 PM
For the one that votes no, must be crazy. Please don't think negative guys think positive always.If you lost your house or car or money because of gambling....the problem is in you. Don't blame someone else. We always go to tri-state not to gamble. we pay our health insurance,property tax, everything that we had is paid for thru the help of tri-state. I send lots of kids to schools. I wish i could win money on gambling and lottery so I could help more kids to go College. Just say only no to drugs and smoking because this won't help any at all. gambling is not a sin, it is a part of recreation. Beleive me i never work in any company, but i volunteer at schools and donated some money... i work hard in farm, and my only recreation is when i go to tri- state have a good meal at the clubhouse and watch the people enjoying going in and out of tri-state,we got jobs we get money. I hope I can vote! of course YES to JOB, and Yes for the good future of my kids and family.
Posted by: Cody on Aug 12, 2007 at 01:13 PM
I think there should be an ammendment to this bill saying that if it does not pass the churches will soon have to be taxed. Then we'll see if it's as close as it is now.
Posted by: Jim on Aug 12, 2007 at 10:10 AM
It was going to pass one way or another anyways. Money talks!!
Posted by: Kim on Aug 12, 2007 at 10:02 AM
I know when it comes time we all will stand before God with our actions we have done, will you have a good enough explainion to why you voted yes and disobey him ?? Why not get Crosslanes corporated that away WV can get even more money to go along with the Dogtrack money?You know that will be next.Sad but true
Posted by: Mer on Aug 12, 2007 at 08:44 AM
Woo Hoo can you say raise the price on bread, milk, and bologna? Since Nitro is going to be a "Tourist Town" prices on everything is going to go UP! It's really nice to know that we are creating fine jobs like hotel maids, waitresses, and low paying union jobs. America is outsourcing all the good paying jobs so we can have these fine jobs with no future or advancement in them! People need to wake up and do something positive for West Virginia. Gambling is an addiction does this mean we should legalize drugs? People have addictions to them and we could make plenty of money on that, heck then we could legalize prostitution and I wouldn't have to spend my hard earned money on these people to be fed 3 times a day, have air and heat! It's a sad day in WV.
Posted by: Rusty on Aug 12, 2007 at 04:23 AM
The availability of gambling doesn't MAKE anyone gamble. Casinos don't destroy families. Bad decisions destroy families. In 1919 they thought making alcohol illegal would make people stop drinking. It didn't. It just removed the eliminated and regulation, and handed the liquor business over to organized crime on a silver platter. 88 years later, the same kind of thinking wants to "prevent" gambling by making it illegal. It won't happen. People will gamble anyway. They can gamble online. They can gamble in other states. People who choose to gamble will gamble. So why shouldn't WV allow it, regulate it, tax it and reap the benefits instead of chasing that money over state lines into somebody else's pockets? We could be bringing more money IN across state lines. We need that income HERE! No matter how the final vote count turns out, the next day there will still be people gambling at Tri-State. Some will do it responsibly and some won't.
Posted by: Theresa on Aug 12, 2007 at 02:34 AM
It saddens me to see the way this State has declined. It really saddens me to see all the business and organizations who backed the introduction of gaming tables, and cannot even see the wrong in it. We sure have a way of rationalizing sin in this world! It is just a "sad" day for all of us. Now we all "lose"!
Posted by: Tony on Aug 12, 2007 at 02:01 AM
Better than having slot machines on every corner in your city like Huntington!
Posted by: LT FROM KY on Aug 12, 2007 at 01:57 AM
EVERYONE THINKS GAMBLING IS WHAT CAUSES PROSTITUTION,CRIME AND ALL THE OTHER CRAZY THINGS YOU ALL HAVE BROUGHT UP.THEN WHATS ALREADY GOING ON AROUND US.AND FOR ALL THE RELIGIOUS ONE OF YOU THAT ARE AGAINST IT I DONT WANT TO BE SETTING BESIDE YOU ON A SAT. NITE.AND THEN YOU GETTING UP THE NEXT MORNING GOING TO PRAY ABOUT LOSING YOUR MONEY,OR TAKING THE PREACHER OUT TO EAT AFTER CHURCH WITH THE MONEY YOU WON.WHAT I THINK IS TO EACH THEIR OWN.AND TO ME SHOW ME THE WAAAAAY.AND THE CHURCHES SHOULD NOT BE THERE STANDING WITH THEIR HANDS OUT BEGGING FOR THEIR CUT OF THE $$.WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE EVEN IF IT DOESNT PASS.WE WILL SPEND ARE MONEY AT ANOTHER CASINO.AND SUPPORT THAT STATE.
Posted by: David on Aug 12, 2007 at 01:25 AM
How about the money coming from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky. Charleston has now become a desirable location for weekend escapes and getaways for people in bordering states. They're going to shop at our malls, eat at our eateries, stay in our hotels. Those opposed always blow negative aspects out of proportion. It's a bit over dramatic and over the top. This isn't rocket science and turning the stale, stagnant, and crumbling Charleston area into a possible resort destination sounds great to me. West Virginia has more to offer than other gaming cities. Ski resorts, mountainous scenery, outdoor adventures rafting, climbing, biking.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 12, 2007 at 01:22 AM
At least with table games folks will have a chance.These games can't have the odds rigged by calling a tie { push } a winner .Exmple : $1.00 rub-off with a $1.00 payout being called a winner.Or even worse,the so called "winnings: bng less han wageed.
Posted by: scott on Aug 12, 2007 at 01:18 AM
I guess since the table games are so wonderful for the economy and for the government, we will see it reflected in the taxes that we pay. Gone is the food tax, personal property taxes, income taxes... Hoooooray!!! Great day in WV!! Yeah right.
Posted by: anon on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:57 AM
All that voting today is doing is offering more selection at the racetrack for the games people play. Gambling would still take place at the dogtrack regardless of table games, so there's no need to bring in any sort of religious nonsense. The only argument i've heard against it is God being angry. Well, hello, don't go and play then. Let those who want to gamble, gamble, and you can stay in your churches and do as you wish. I doubt because there's now blackjack being offered instead of only a large number of slots that prostitution is going to increase. I don't quite see the connection there. Everyone acts like voting no is going to shut down the racetrack, but I hate to tell you moral folks, but regarless of the final vote, people will still be there enjoying what they do, so i'm not sure what exactly you thought you'd accomplished.
Posted by: Colin on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:52 AM
Wow, Gwen, can I expect plagues of locusts and everything? I love how everyone seems to think that gambling ultimately leads to immorality and crime. The fact of the matter is, when you look at the crime statistics for Atlantic City, NJ, from 2005, with a population of 40,669 residents, you have 753 counts of violent crime (9 murders, 44 rapes, 374 robberies, 326 assaults) and 4514 counts of property crime. Charleston, WV for the SAME YEAR with 51,728 residents (that's only 11,000 more residents) had crime statistics of 1,088 counts of violent crime (19 murders, 51 rapes, 187 robberies, 831 Assaults) and 11,640 counts of property crime. So, you're telling me that our crime rate should be much lower right? Not HIGHER than Atlantic city when you calculate the per-capita rate? Wow, seems like you guys need to go back to the drawing board and do some research on real crime figures.
Posted by: JC on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:49 AM
Have any families exploded yet? I was looking forward to spontaneous family destruction, I hear it's a spectacular sight. Seriously though, it's the corner bars with slot machines where the bad stuff goes down. I can understand folks in Cross Lanes not liking added traffic and such, but the religious/moral argument is too weak. There is nothing in the bible regarding gambling. See the comment below regarding church bingo, how are the old ladies with all the lucky charms not gamblers? Don't like gambling, don't gamble. As a Christian, you can't judge or govern the decisions of others. You should live your lives as good Christians and be judged by god. Gambling destroys families is a bit of a stretch. Just relax. Anything bringing tourists to the area is a good thing for everyone. If this passes, it will be a victory for logic and reason. Plus, it will say to other types of less controversial business that our area is open to change and growth.
Posted by: Jim on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:48 AM
This issue is a vote for choice. I don't gamble, but if I want to it should be my choice. If I want to drink I can. If I want to eat too much I can. Life is about choices,you make them by your own moral compass. I say pass this initiative and let the public make an informed decision. It can be recalled in 5 years if it doesn't pan out. Do I think this will become another Las Vegas? No. Cross Lanes will be a destination for small players since there is not a lot of other activities in this area. If you think prostitution and drugs will become a problem, open your eyes. That stuff is already here before the vote on table games began.You can and do have excesses in all aspects of life; so this is no different. Like I said in the beginning, this is about choice. I believe people can and will make the right decision for themselves.
Posted by: Scott on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:32 AM
To the NO defenders, I'm not going to bash you like other have, I realize that you have your moral convictions, and that's okay, it's America, right? But you'll see in the long run what good this will do for the area. This expansion will create new jobs, more revenue for the state, ect, ect. Blah, blah, you've heard it all, I'm sure. But here's another thing that haven't seen on here yet, too many children are graduating high school, going to college, and then just leaving the state! There's little to no oppritunities here anymore, so you never know, this might help that situation.
Posted by: no winners on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:25 AM
Unfortunately this is far from over. I think it boils down to the fact that not much is willing to invest in WV right now. No one else is in line with any productive large ideas or possibilities, and worse our leaders aren't willing to help businesses along. For instance we are losing Fenton Glass which not only effects the job loss in there area but also the many smaller shops and stores who also market this. Not to mention a 100 years part of our state's cultural history. Big Joe nor anyone in Charleston has intention of trying to help prevent losing this business and true historical aspect so why should others have confidence in us. Right now like it or not, this is our current best opportunity so we need to give this a chance and see what happens. It's not like we can fall below being last in economic success! PS - Anyone who likes history take a moment and phone the governor's office and request support for Fenton before its completely too late for this historical company.
Posted by: Gina on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:17 AM
First of all, God does not "pour wrath" on communities. and the issue of voting "No" because of traffic issues.....Have you not been to Walmart at the Crosslanes exit just after rush hour, w/ traffic backed up from Rite Aid to Walmart, I don't think it has much to do w/ tourism or the race track. I don't gamble myself, or go to the Track, but if you allow the results of this vote, whether yes or no, to impact your family in such a negative way like I have been seeing on TV and reading about, then there is more at issue that just a vote. If you don't like to gamble, then don't go to the track. some of the posts read like gambling is new to WV.....its been here for years! The Race Track, WV lottery, and I almost forgot, Bingo. This will only be a problem for you if you allow it.
Posted by: Darren on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:16 AM
Wow Colin, you really are ignorant. Colin, you do realize that the "bus loads of people" going to the greyhound tracks are WEST VIRGINIANS and not out-of-staters, thus proving my point that gambling does not bring IN money, but simply robs Peter to pay Paul? If there are already casinos in OH and KY, then that just proves all the more that this casino is a fraud. People in border states are not going to come into WV to gamble if they can do that at home.
Posted by: Addam on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:13 AM
High crime rates? This isn't the LV strip people. It isn't Atlantic City. It is one, count it, one place. Is there a crime problem there now? What will the difference be crime wise between someone pulling a lever at a slot machine or throwing dice? This is a single destination resort, not many sprawling casinos. Explain to me how table games are going to completely change the dynamics of the area negatively? There is and has been gambling for years. Where is the organized crime bosses at? I've not seen any huge problems at the track to date. I've not heard of dog racing scandals, have you? Where are the homeless and destitute people who have spent their life's savings at the track and now roam the streets and mug people for a few dollars for the next slot machine pull? The time for fear mongering and doomsday speech is over both at the local and state level and the national level. People are tired of hearing it. If you are against it, fine, but don't keep other people from enjoying it.
Posted by: Nate on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:08 AM
I agree with Gwen..This world is nothing more the SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD who is waiting to pour out his wrath. I know we live under the New Testament, but take a glance at the people of the Old Testament. Its like todays world is a repeat..and just like he did then..GOD WILL JUDGE A NATION that is on a road to a devils hell..NO Mr Mayor, the sign is not "discusting"..IT IS THE TRUTH and YOU will be judged for being the poster-child of this "discusting" act!!!
Posted by: Mark on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:51 PM
Why is it that just because you were against this, everyone thinks you are trying to force your high morals on others? I do not consider myself a deeply religious person. I just voted against it because of the research which I did on this subject. I did not just take the word of the casino which will be making most of the money, which I feel most people did. Yes the communities will make money from this and that is a good thing. But from what I have found, every dollar which a community receives cost them 2 dollars or more in additional law enforcement and other expenses related to the casinos.
Posted by: Joey on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:42 PM
"getting to see their families"? Don't you think most of those jobs will be at night? Then whose going to care for their families while they sleep all day? Also, the ones that do work during the day probably won't be receiving the infamous "$1000 tip" everyone keeps talking about.
Posted by: john on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:41 PM
i traveled all over the united states working and saw the effects of these kind of activities and it always causes extremely high crime rates and destruction to the quality of life in those places. now we have to double our police forces and help the families cope and try to get their lives back in order. In all these places education safety and quality regressed. oh and also taxes and services were raised drastically. so if you votes YES its your baby now so live with it and enjoy.
Posted by: Gwen on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:38 PM
Be very assured. God will pour out his wrath on our community for such an immoral decision. Our society will NOT prosper for welcoming ungodly practices.
Posted by: Cookie on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:33 PM
I have been hearing about all of the bad things that are going to come since the table gaming bill has been passed, well all I have to say is: All those of you who didn’t want it, shouldn’t take any of the money that is going to be generated from it. I am sure that it will not happen that way however. I just don’t understand why if it is a table game at a casino it is immoral but if it is bingo in the basement or recreation hall of a church it is Godly. That, to me, is very hypocritical. It is either one or the other, you can’t have it both ways.
Posted by: Korun on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:32 PM
For once, religion takes a back seat and economy comes first. Wow, who would have ever thought that could happen. Now tax the churches and lets pull this state back up to be competitive with other states.
Posted by: Matt on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:26 PM
It's a bit presumptuous, I think, of some of the YES defenders to be doing cartwheels so soon...a 33-vote differential and 356 other provisional ballots to consider...this thing is far from over.
Posted by: john on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:22 PM
may god have mercy on us and help us with the coming problems
Posted by: Addam on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:22 PM
Irresponsible people will be irresponsible whether gambling is involved or not. A thousand jobs is a thousand jobs. This state cannot afford to be selective. The chemical plants are coming back and aren't done downsizing. Toyota may expand some, but is it going to bring a thousand jobs? What else is there that is in the works? Nothing. The SC Stamping Plant? Ok there is a few hundred jobs, but not a thousand. The religious right has had a stranglehold on this this state for too long. We are last or next to last in almost everything. In the past 30 years, what has the religious crowd brought us? Where is the economic development? They are so quick to vote against something because of their superior morals, but what do they offer instead? Maybe they will offer their offerings to the state to help repair bridges, or to fund schools and senior programs. My point is this, until a machine is invented that will turn your high morals into hard cash or jobs, keep your opinions to yourself.
Posted by: Colin on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:18 PM
Wow, there are some really ignorant posts on here. Darren, you do realize that there are already casinos in the area of OH and KY right? There have been on the rivers that border those states for years, yet bus-loads of people still turn out at the greyhound tracks every week pumping money into the state's economy better than most any other tourist attraction can claim. I was sad to see that Jefferson county denied table-games a chance to boost the state's revenue with it's close proximity to the nation's capitol. As a native West Virginian who had to leave due to a lack of jobs in my sector (hospitality) I am glad to see the table-games vote come out positively. When construction jobs, hotels, restaurants, and the like start giving people an employment opportunity other than Wal-Mart, you'll be glad that the legislation has (preliminarily) passed. You can all bring up issues of addiction and the like, but in the end, we are all responsible for our choices, including whether to gamble.
Posted by: Mark on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:17 PM
No responses to my question about what is meant by high paying jobs. According to some literature I received in the mail, someone working full time at the mall will make as much or more than most people who work in casinos.
Posted by: Jim Hale on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:16 PM
If after these last few votes are counted, and this bill does indeed pass, please send the poor souls that loss their families, houses, cars and all that they have to the churches. We will take them and help them after the gambling halls rip all that they can from their life and leave them in the streets naked. No longer will the gambling hall bring them free food, but the church will. No longer will they give them drink, but the church will give them water. The cry is "if only the churches would leave us alone to our sins", and yet if this were true we would no longer have any one that cared for hurting people. If you knew that only 5 out of 10 kids would be killed if they played in the street, would you deny all 10 kids from playing in the street? Gambling hurts kids. Yet some cannot give up a little pleasure, or "play time in the street" in order to save the kids that will be harmed. This is very sad and shows the greed in those that will not say no. The churchs will be there
Posted by: missy on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:15 PM
If you voted NO, then you voted against families. The jobs from the track, pay almost 2x as much as McDonalds or GoMarts. This is the difference between people having to work two jobs or getting to see their families.
Posted by: Bill on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:10 PM
You NO folks who are unwilling to admit to trying to force your own religious trappings on everyone else and instead cite negative "studies" ignore that those studies look at places like Vegas, Gary IN and Atlantic City. NOT OUR SITUATION!! This is a single site, isolated destination resort. Atlantic City it's not. Economic opprtunity for 1,000 resort employees, and 100s more for others in the area, it is! This is what it is all about. Shame on you for trying to deny others an opportunity to stay home and afford to raise a family.
Posted by: Josh on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:09 PM
I lived in Biloxi, Mississippi for over a year before Hurricane Katrina. Ask the people there what table games did for them. Higher crime rates, higher divorce rates and higher suicide rates to name a few. Mississippi is still at the bottom of most statistics on economic & educational issues just like West Virginia. Gambling can not fix our problems. We need politicians to actually work for us and bring legitimate businesses in. Toyota isn't perfect, but we got those jobs. There are more out there. We had the new AEP plant, but the politicians got greedy. We can do this without gambling. I'm sorry for my vote for Manchin, and Danny Jones has sold out all conservative Republicans. Lastly, Atlantic City had over 350 bars, restaurants, and other businesses in the area where the strip is now before the casinos. Today, there are less than 50. The gambling really helped the local businesses there. Yeah right.
Posted by: no gamblin man on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:02 PM
It is a sad day in WV when we are relying on gambling to provide income and jobs for the state. People do not realize that. Several people will go and lose a whole paycheck every week or every other week and then turn to the government to help them out because they have NO money. So now we have to bail them out because of their addiction, yes I said addiction. Most supporters will not admit to anything about an addiction. Certainly, that could not happen. I guess the churches will start seeing addicts come and sell their hard luck stories of no money for food, rent/mortgage, gas, electic, water, etc... I guess we all pay now!!! Sad day for WV.
Posted by: P on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:01 PM
YESSSSSSS!!! I,m ready for some legalized marijuana and prostitution......we can turn all the topless bars in Jefferson into brothels!!!!
Posted by: Darren on Aug 11, 2007 at 11:01 PM
I can't believe the naivete of these "yes" goofballs. Economics 101; If a Kanawha county person spends a dollar at the casino, that is simply one dollar LESS spent at other local businesses. To the extent this boondoggle is patronized by locals, the economic benefit will be ZILCH. The split second casinos are built in Ohio, KY, the northern panhandle, etc., the Charleston casino's tourists will drop to zero, and all of the pie in the sky promises will vanish. I could care less about the religious opposition to gaming, but anyone who believed all the propaganda of casino operators (whose reputation for honesty is legendary...)is just clueless. There's no mystery to economic development. If WV's politicians would just put in low taxes, low regulation, and a stable legal climate, we'd do fine. But WV never has and never will understand this, and so we keep falling for gimmicks like casinos to save us from ourselves.
Posted by: gambling, lol on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:57 PM
I didn't get to vote on the games, even though i live within ONE FREAKING MILE. However, I cannot seem to understand why the churches are so adamant in getting people to vote NO. It's like saying "My mommy said I can't play that game so you can't either!". If you don't gamble, then go away. No one needs you telling us what we can and cannot do.
Posted by: Carolyn on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:56 PM
It aint over till it's over.
Posted by: GoGamblin on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:49 PM
I hope come Christmas time, the churches dont ask Tri State for money
Posted by: Joey on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:48 PM
It is a sad comentary that so many people have used the "they'll spend their money somewhere else" excuse. That sounds so greedy, like you just want "in on the take"! Think about the babies' daddies spending their diaper money on a game of craps! Those are the people the taxpayers are going to have to support when mommy divorces daddy and goes on welfare because she can't get child support! I know this is a prevailant problem already, which all the more reason NOT to have voted this in!
Posted by: JR on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:48 PM
You people have been lied to by these same people saying gambling will fix our schools and so on. You still believe their lies they have done nothing for this state and never will. I'm a christian and a tax payer and have just as much right to speak as you do. I know of no churches that play bingo and if there is they are wrong if you would go once and a while you would know this. We get involved because we have seen the effects of gambling and how many families have been destroyed. You may not care for your brother but I do. In areas were table games are welfare and bankrupties increase. Check out the impact studies on line. Gambling has never helped the buisnesses but has only hurt them. You are only going by what you think look at the studies they are factual and they disagree with you.
Posted by: Mark on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:46 PM
Now that it appears table games will be coming to the county, could someone please define what do they mean when they say High Paying?
Posted by: Bill on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:43 PM
Hooray!! The Legislature lacked the guts to approve table games outright and instead passed it on to the foibles of the voting public. Vera McCormick booted her job and left the vote to occur during vacation season. Yet, narrowly, thinking West Virginians have prevailed. It's a great day in Kanawha County. And REMEMBER those who stood in the path of progress.
Posted by: Dawn on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:42 PM
I am not for or against gambling. But this is just a thought. When gambling becomes addicting and it does, then who do they turn to to pay their bills or food. Of course,CHURCHES.
Posted by: Mike on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:42 PM
These self-righteous religious folks need SOMETHING to blame their short-comings on...may as well be casino gambling. West Virginia and Kanawha County NEEDS this.
Posted by: supporter on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:41 PM
Thank goodness, go WV!!
Posted by: NOT OVER on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:41 PM
THERE ARE STILL MORE VOTES TO BE CALCUALTED.. IT'S STILL UNOFFICIAL
Posted by: trey on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:41 PM
yyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hee hee hee heeeeee
Posted by: Lucas on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:39 PM
no perks to gambling. Our lazy legislators should do their jobs to recruit real business to the state. It is pretty sad our state has to depend on gambling to support it's self. The only people this will help is the handful of owners in Michigan. No wonder West Virginians are some of the most ignorant people in the nation. We look around and wonder why all of our young, intelligent, educated population leave the state. This should have been a statewide vote and then we would see the results and I assure they would not be this close.
Posted by: james on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:39 PM
YES YES!!! Now we can have all the crime found in other big gambling places.
Posted by: John on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:37 PM
supporter - Have you been reading the various information that people have been receiving in the mail? I have seen no facts at all in the Yes information. However, there has been facts and figures from government and private entities in the No vote information.
Posted by: flb on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:34 PM
yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Posted by: David on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:33 PM
The holier than thou zealots are just playing into the ideals of the mega-corporations and far right. Keep the poor and middle-class where they are so a small percent of the population can continue to horde the wealth. God forbid a single mother gets a $1000 tip at the craps table and turns around and invests that money into securities and the market. Open your eyes people. Stop putting YOUR beliefs ahead of EVERYONES economic development. I guess those who don't want this to happen would rather have addictive personalities continue to use their money buying crystal meth and paying pill mill doctors for drugs. I'd hate to see revenue from gambling going to the schools and communities freeing up tax revenue for law enforcement and the battle against drugs abuse in our state.
Posted by: donna on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:32 PM
i dont understand with churches if they can have bingo there. then kanawha should have table games its no differnt both games you have to pay so whats the problems.i voted yes to table games.lets the games begin.
Posted by: Jamie on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:32 PM
JOBS...YES! FUN...YES! YES!
Posted by: vote yes! on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:30 PM
woohoo time to spend all my money on table gaming
Posted by: barry on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:27 PM
yiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiippppppppppppppppeeeee WEST virginia WINS "YES"
Posted by: supporter on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:25 PM
John you are exactly backwards. For someone talking about facts then - TRY GETTING YOUR OWN STRAIGHT! Yes advocates are the only ones able to produce facts about this issue. No supporters are only guessing as to what may happen. Well here's a fact - If it doesn't pass those who were gaming will still be gaming except there will be no additional benefits coming in from it.
Posted by: Sarah on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:23 PM
I wonder how many people who are opposed to table games would discourage their college bound children from accepting the Promise scholarship. It is funded by slot machine gambling after all.
Posted by: hanging chad on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:22 PM
bah there no point in watching it now which ever side loses going to demand a recount!
Posted by: Jerry on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:18 PM
10:13PM........RESULTS: 161 out of 175 Precincts Reporting (90%) YES: 20,015 Votes (50.08%) NO: 19,953 Votes (49.92%) Wow! Really close!
Posted by: barry on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:14 PM
if you would give the church"s a cut, they would vote "YES"
Posted by: supporter on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:12 PM
If this fails then these church people better be the first in line to help support the families who are still broken even without the gaming. If you can spare the change from your own buying lottery tickets and bingo card games. I guarantee the revenue won't be available from anywhere else and most will say we had our chance to make things better and blew it!
Posted by: John on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:10 PM
It is amazing that all of the information for the Yes vote plays on people's emotions while the information for the No vote contain facts and figures. Makes on think if the Yes vote has any facts to back it up.
Posted by: David on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:08 PM
IF THIS VOTE LOSES, THEN IT WILL PUT A STOP TO GAMBLING. OH WAIT, NO IT WON'T. IT'S A CHOICE BETWEEN WHO TAKES YOUR MONEY: MACHINES OR PEOPLE. CALL ME OLD-FASHIONED, BUT I PREFER A PERSON TAKE MY MONEY OVER A MACHINE.
Posted by: Timbo on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:06 PM
Gambling has been here for years and those with addictions have been going to back rooms and will continue to play cards and pools. WV needs the economic boost before another place does it and you say .... gosh, we should have done that.
Posted by: Denise on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:05 PM
Yes Yes Yes !
Posted by: SATAN on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:05 PM
church's have bingo which is gambling
Posted by: Kris on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:04 PM
The difference between church bingo and a gambling casino is moderation. How many little people do you know that will spend everything they make on bingo? I know quite a few that spend their whole paycheck on casinos.
Posted by: Jon on Aug 11, 2007 at 09:58 PM
You should post the truth and not be afraid!
Posted by: Tim on Aug 11, 2007 at 09:58 PM
If this thing passes, they might as well rename the local news program "CSI: Nitro".
Posted by: Mark on Aug 11, 2007 at 09:58 PM
I am a well-travelled business professional and stay in Cross Lanes frequently. I am floored at how close this vote is. This is a no-brainer to me. This will be great for the Charleston area and especially for its people with the jobs that this will create. In my travels to WV the one common problem that I see is a lack of jobs which can lead to much larger problems like drug use, unwanted pregnancy, poverty. Gamblers are going to find a place to gamble, whether in Charleston or PA or KY or Vegas. It is mind boggling to me that this is not a landslide victory for the table games and the people of Charleston.
Posted by: jeremy on Aug 11, 2007 at 09:56 PM
VIVA LAS VEGAS BABY!!!!
Posted by: supporter on Aug 11, 2007 at 09:54 PM
Building this facility is not going to destroy families. People who have gambling issues will have them no matter what this vote does. They will just spend their money somewhere else. In the meantime we will keep having to support the 1000 people who would have had jobs out of our own pockets instead. Give this a chance before you judge it.