Republicans fear lottery could draw Democrats to the polls (Whitmire/al.com)

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By Kyle Whitmire | [e-mail]
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on August 05, 2016 at 11:10 AM, updated August 05, 2016 at 11:11 AM

An email circulating among Alabama Republicans encourages them to let their lawmakers know that they are opposed to a statewide lottery referendum this fall.

That by itself is no big deal. While recent polling has shown Alabama Republicans are divided on the issue, the party has in the past opposed it.

Rather, it's the why, this time, that matters.

The message, first sent out by Jefferson County Republican Party Chairwoman Sallie Bryant, asks Republicans to oppose Gov. Robert Bentley's push for a November referendum, not necessarily because the lottery is a bad idea, but rather, because a lottery on the November ballot could draw out Democrat voters, putting the GOP's candidates at risk.

"Governor Bentley now wants to put it on the November ballot," Bryant says in the email. "This would be disastrous for Republicans in Jefferson County, as it would drive up Democrat turnout in a year when it is expected to be lower."
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more: http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/08/republicans_fear_lottery_could.html




Well, ain't this interesting -- Bentley is hoping the lottery ruckus will distract people from his own scandals, but his own party is afraid it might get Alabamans to vote !