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Christie pushes for vote on N.J. casino expansion

Gov. Christie on Friday urged lawmakers to pass legislation that would ask voters to amend the constitution to expand gaming to North Jersey, weighing in on an issue that has divided Democrats in part because of 2017 gubernatorial politics.

Gambling such as this craps game in Atlantic City would be joined by similar action in North Jersey under legislative proposals.
Gambling such as this craps game in Atlantic City would be joined by similar action in North Jersey under legislative proposals.Read moreWAYNE PARRY / Associated Press

Gov. Christie on Friday urged lawmakers to pass legislation that would ask voters to amend the constitution to expand gaming to North Jersey, weighing in on an issue that has divided Democrats in part because of 2017 gubernatorial politics.

Christie, a Republican running for president, said it appeared unlikely that Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D., Hudson) had enough votes in his house to pass his version of the bill. Therefore, the governor said, lawmakers in both houses should move ahead with Senate President Stephen Sweeney's bill, which the senator has said will pass his chamber on Monday.

"It is disturbing that infighting within the Democratic Party over competing gaming bills may deprive the voters of the ability to consider this question in November," Christie said in a rare statement supporting legislative action.

He added, "Delay puts the expansion of gaming in peril. That is not in the interests of anyone in New Jersey, North or South."

The state constitution currently restricts gaming to Atlantic City, where four casinos closed in 2014 and thousands of workers lost their jobs.

Christie's statement came Friday after Sweeney (D., Gloucester), a likely candidate for governor in 2017, held a news conference in Trenton during which he warned that the possibility for casino expansion would be "dead" if lawmakers did not advance the amendment on Monday, the final day of the current legislative session.

To get the casino question on the ballot in November, lawmakers must pass an amendment with a simple majority both this session and next, or once with a three-fifths majority. Amendments do not require the governor's signature. Sweeney says it would be far more difficult to pass an amendment with such a supermajority.

Prieto (D., Hudson) would be responsible for any failure to act, Sweeney said.

"I challenge the Senate president to spend less time preening at press conferences and more time truly working together on what is so obviously needed at this point - a compromise that will pass both houses with enough votes during the next session," Prieto said in a statement.

A key supporter of Prieto's bill is Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, a Democrat likely to challenge Sweeney for their party's nomination in 2017.

"If Gov. Christie had spent time in New Jersey, he would understand the facts, and that the Assembly bill is the best one for the entire state," Prieto said. "Gov. Christie is failing to support the free market system and competitive capitalism. That's somewhat surprising considering his current focus." Christie spent much of last year campaigning outside the state.

Prieto and Sweeney agree that the constitution should be amended to allow two casinos to open in separate counties in North Jersey. They differ on a couple of main issues.

Sweeney's bill would direct more of the tax revenue generated by North Jersey casinos to Atlantic City for nongaming development. He also wants to ensure that operators that currently have a license in Atlantic City get the first opportunity to open casinos in North Jersey.

Prieto's bill would allow open competition for one of the new licenses to any operator, either in New Jersey or outside.

In recent days, Prieto has signaled that casino magnate Steve Wynn is interested in obtaining a license.

Sweeney's amendment would allow outside operators to own up to 49 percent of new casinos.

aseidman@phillynews.com

856-779-3846 @AndrewSeidman