In what may be a blow to racino's chances for approval at the State Capitol, former state Sen. Dick Day is leaving Racino Now and giving up his role as the most prominent advocate for the lobbying group.
Day, a 19-year member of the state Senate who also served for a decade as Senate minority leader, announced Tuesday he is forming a new lobbying group, Day and Associates, which will be based in Eagan.
"While I enjoyed working with Racino Now and accomplished the goal of raising public awareness for the issue, I feel that it's time to take on new issues and new challenges in St. Paul," Day said in a statement. "I wish Racino Now well in passing their issue next session."
While racino appeared to gain support among some legislators in recent years, the proposal never gained enough votes to be considered a funding source as Minnesota struggled with mounting state budget deficits. Racino would allow video slot machine gambling at the state's horse racing tracks.
"I have been approached by many people asking for my assistance with their issues over at the Capitol," Day said. Day said he would be joined by Chris Johnson, Day's longtime aide and a regional chair for the Bush-Cheney campaign in 2004.
