Proposed Kenosha Casino is a Problem for Right to Work Supporters in Wisconsin

An artist's rendering of the proposed Kenosha casino.

When considering all angles of a new casino in Wisconsin, a new bone of contention has poked out of the pile of problems: a push for "right to work" in the state vs. unionization of casino workers. Most problematic for most is a situation called "card check".

Here's a listen to what the Wisconsin Right to Work (WRTR) group ran as a radio ad this month and a look at how local bloggers against the card check are responding:

http://wisconsindailyindependent.com/wisconsin-right-to-work-releases-new-radio-ad/ (You can hear the ad here at the bottom of the page.)
http://www.rightwisconsin.com/dailytakes/Right-to-Work-Meets-the-Kensoha-Casino-Decision-285815751.html

http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=338123

http://wisconsinelectionwatch.com/22757/kenosha-casino-card-check-sound-the-alarm/

The argument in brief from the freedomtoworkwi.com website:
http://freedomtoworkwi.com/posts/kenosha-casino-card-check-policy-wrong-wisconsin
http://freedomtoworkwi.com/posts/menomonee-admits-mou-includes-card-check

In his posting, "What's on the Agenda for GOP Governors Running for President", John Fund states the following:
"He (Governor Scott Walker) is also under pressure on the casino from Wisconsin Right to Work, a group which is running ads that highlight the fact that the Kenosha casino would be the first union-operated shop of its kind in the state, and would also operate using card check — the tool unions use to intimidate workers. “Any presidential candidate who expands gambling is going to have a lot of explaining to do,” declares Pat Andrews, a leader in Phyllis Schalfly’s conservative Eagle Forum group.
You can read the complete article here. 

2014 Election Results

Did you wonder what happened on Election Day regarding all of the gambling issues on ballots across the country?

Here's a quick follow up:

California’s Proposition 48, Referendum on Indian Gaming Compacts was defeated. You can learn more about the results here: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/California-Prop-48-Tribal-Gaming-Measure-Defeated-281604221.html

In Colorado Horse Racetrack Limited Gaming Proceeds for K-12 Education, Amendment 68 also failed. Check out the local reaction here: http://www.9news.com/story/news/politics/elections/2014/11/04/amendment-68-results/18442677/

The vote in Massachusetts to end all legalized gambling in the state was rejected by voters. Anti-gambling activists are looking to become watchdogs for their state. Read more about it here: http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/12/01/unbowed-ballot-defeat-anticasino-forces-seek-new-role/66VGX4qqjSbEkSpA43aXKM/story.html

Rhode Islanders had two issues to consider. Gaming at Newport Grand, Question1 was ultimately defeated. Because Question 1 was on the ballot as a statewide measure and also as a local measure in Newport, it required approval from both the state's voters and Newport's voters. While Rhode Island's total voters approved Question 1, a majority of Newport's voters cast "no" votes. As a result, Question 1 was defeated.  The Restriction on Gambling, Question 2 passed which allows expansion to table games and restricts relocation of a current gambling location.

In South Dakota voters said “yes” to  Gambling in Deadwood, Amendment Q. Here is a link to the details: http://www.blackhillsfox.com/home/headlines/South-Dakota-residents-vote-yes-on-Amendment-Q-281705211.html

The Kansas Charitable Gaming Measure - SCR 1618 and the South Carolina Legalization of Charitable Raffles, Amendment 1 were passed (both dealt with legalization of non-profit organizations holding raffles as fundraisers and had little opposition). Tennessee’s Charitable Gaming, Amendment 4 also passed to allow veterans organizations to hold raffles, etc.