There might yet be a legal fight over the new North Carolina lottery.
A spokesman for Citizens United Against the Lottery, a coalition formed to fight its creation, said Monday that the group is weighing a lawsuit challenging how the lottery was approved.
"It's in distinct consideration," said Bob Rosser, a spokesman for the group, whose board includes former legislator Chuck Neely, former UNC system presidents Bill Friday and C.D. Spangler Jr., and Capitol Broadcasting Co. chief Jim Goodmon. "We are looking at it carefully. But as of now, there has been no decision."
The lawsuit would have nothing to do with the Senate's last-minute approval in the waning days of the session, cinched when two Republicans were absent.
Instead, Rosser said, it would center on how the House passed the lottery in a 61-59 vote April 6.
The legal question revolves around a part of the state constitution dealing with laws passed to "raise money on the credit of the state" or to "impose a tax." Such laws can only be passed after three readings on three different days, according to the constitution.
Rep. Paul Stam, a Wake County Republican, tried to make sure there was delay after the vote April 6 -- the lottery's second reading. But he was quickly overruled by House Speaker Jim Black, who later said the lottery isn't a tax bill.
But Rosser said his group views the lottery as a bill that falls under the requirement for delayed votes.
"It's one of those," he said.
Oh Lord! When will they get over it!
Shut up and let the residents of North Carolina play the games they deserve.
Brad
More slimey lawyers trying to squeeze money from the state. Shining example of why a looser pay system is needed in the US. What do you think would happen to such suits if the lawyers knew they wouldn't get money for this.
I can see why board member C.D. Spangler Jr. would want to try to destroy the lottery. The Spanglers own half the apartments in Charlotte coming from old money. They have a wing in just about every building in Charlotte, including the museum and libraries.
I figured one of the reasons folks didn't want NC to have a lottery is because they are afraid people will gamble and don't pay them. He's just afraid people won't pay their rent and play the lottery.
There is always some clown trying to interfere with some one else's happiness. Goodie two-shoes need a life outside of the morality world. You're never dictate moraility; people with the ability to question will never let you win.
There is always some clown trying to interfere with some one else's happiness. Goodie two-shoes need a life outside of the morality world. You're never dictate moraility; people with the ability to question will never let you win.
They are not goodie two-shoes and it's not a morality issue. It's a money issue. They want to keep people giving the money to them. That is why they are so rich.
They are clowns though.