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Alabama voters to decide on lottery
October 12, 1999 OPELIKA, Alabama (CNN) -- Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman's push for a statewide lottery, which went to the voters Tuesday, is running up against many church ministers in this Bible Belt state. "It strikes at the heart of what the Bible indicates is a strong work ethic," said Ron Madison, the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Opelika. "It's getting something for nothing, or almost nothing." Siegelman, a Democrat, was elected last year with the promise of a lottery as the chief part of his platform. Tuesday's referendum will decide whether to amend the state constitution and authorize a lottery. Supporters say the effort will raise $150 million a year, with the proceeds going to fund scholarships for college students and to pay for prekindergarten programs. They also point across the border to Georgia, which has used lottery proceeds to fund the successful HOPE scholarship program. "Things seem to be going really well in Georgia," Siegelman said. "I think the naysayers, the political naysayers, are simply trying to create a smokescreen." The supporters of the referendum poured $4 million into the lottery campaign, but face a well-organized opposition. In a way, this lottery referendum is not just about money -- it's about politics and religion. Feelings are strong on both sides. On Monday, ministers opposed to the referendum held a 24-hour prayer vigil outside the state Capitol, warning that gambling goes against God's will and would hurt the poor. "Father, I pray that the answer be clear in the hearts and minds of the people of Alabama ... that they will see that gambling in any form is violation of your word," said Republican state Sen. Albert Lipscomb, as he led 20 people in prayer. Siegelman toured the state in support of the referendum, arguing that the vote will determine "our children's future. What's at stake is Alabama's future. Tomorrow we have a chance to change education forever." Though early polls found a clear majority for a lottery, the state's church ministers have united against it and polls lately have showed a tight race. The Associated Press contributed to this report. |
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MORE STORIES:Tuesday, October 12, 1999
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