Daley Backing Away From Casino Project
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CHICAGO — Mayor Richard M. Daley is backing away from his advocacy of a $2-billion casino project because of Gov. Jim Edgar’s opposition.
“We don’t throw in the towel, but it’s not a priority,” Daley said Thursday.
Edgar has opposed the project since it was proposed by three entertainment companies last spring.
“If (Edgar) is against it, he’s against it. What can I do?” Daley said. In Springfield, Edgar said: “It’s not a priority for me, either. We agree.”
Daley billed his plan for a complex as a way to create thousands of jobs and generate $1 billion in tax revenue for the state’s school districts over the next decade.
Critics said the plan would hurt horse racing and riverboat gambling while bringing more crime to the city.
State Rep. Louis Lang (D-Chicago), a sponsor of the casino plan, said he still planned to push for legalizing land-based casinos in the spring session.
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