Prop 1 is racing toward you

Idahoans will vote this November on hysterical horse racing.

Oops — that’s historical horse racing. But some view the measure as hysterical.

To critics, it’s hysterically funny that proponents of Proposition 1 are billing it as a return to one of Idaho’s cherished legacies. A statement by Save Idaho Horse Racing chair Bruce Newcomb, former speaker of the Idaho House, had Prop 1 foes in stitches:

“We have believed all along that Idahoans have special feelings for horse racing and all the benefits it brings to our state,” Newcomb said. “That belief has now been confirmed. There is much work yet to be done. But this is truly exciting for horse racing fans as well as the jockeys, trainers and many others who may once again have the opportunity to come back and work in a thriving and vibrant Idaho horse racing industry.”

Opponents will tell you that the measure is about putting horse-race slot machines in race track facilities, not jockeys’ butts in saddles.

On the other side of the track, Prop 1 proponents decry the dire warnings of the opposition, comprised largely of Indian tribal interests who now have exclusive domain over video gaming. Prop 1 supporters will tell you that the measure opens no massive gate to widespread gambling. In fact, they’ll point out exact wording from Proposition 1 that corrals possible locations:

(1) Wagering on an historical horse race is declared to be lawful and such wagering may be conducted at any facility located within the grounds or enclosure where live and/or simulcast horse racing is conducted and where at least eight (8) live horse race days are conducted annually, or where such simulcast facility is subject to 54-2514A(1), Idaho Code.

Greyhound Park in Post Falls, by the way, does not have live horse racing but it would qualify for historical racing slot machines as a legal simulcast facility.

Point is, ladies and gentlemen, you should arm yourselves with the actual wording of the proposition and prepare for a plethora of propaganda. The state isn’t making it easy on you; the proposition is 1,912 words long. Here it is: https://bit.ly/2ucd7UV

We’re glad this issue now goes before the voters. The Legislature has had trouble making up its mind, approving the video contraptions in 2013 before reversing course two years later. Whether it’s a photo finish or a runaway for the pro or con side of Proposition 1, the winner will be determined by you — and that’s how it should be.