Maybe in January

By Kevin Robinson in News on Dec 12, 2007 7:50PM

Mike Madigan made it seem like he was ready to deal this week, with a letter to state legislators saying that he'd endorse a bill to expand gaming in the state in order to fund roads and schools. In announcing his "compromise", he said he is "willing to embrace compromise and offer a sincere, serious proposal that will receive my full support and backing." That expansion may not happen, though, as some lawmakers have enough "concerns" about Madigan's proposal to stall it. State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) doesn't like a provision that would give two percent of gross revenue to the host community and three percent to the host county, and State Senator Ricky Hendon (D-Chicago) is upset with the affirmative action set-aside that would have minorities own 20 percent of each of the two new non-Chicago casinos, and women five percent. Senate President Emil Jones has been non-committal, saying he needs to see all the details of Madigan's proposal. "You can put one thing on paper, but it's what the words actually say," Jones told the Southtown Star. And the Illinois Casino Gambling Association is hoping the state doesn't expand gambling, as an expansion in Chicago could hurt Joliet casinos.

The dick-waving in Springfield didn't seem to damper Daley's enthusiasm, though. He's already making pronouncements about where he won't let the state build a casino. "Well, it's not going to be near the lakefront, of course. It's not going to be in communities, it's not going to be Navy Pier, it's not going to be in my beautiful park, Northerly Island," he told the press yesterday, adding the McCormick Place and Block 37 are also off limits.

Image via smussyolay