Greyhound Racing Gets Push From Bill

Simulcast wagering on greyhound racing may continue in Idaho despite fierce opposition by some lawmakers and greyhound advocates.

A bill sponsored by Sen. Clyde Boatright, R-Rathdrum, would repeal a deadline that would have ended the simulcasting by June 30, 1999.

“A deal is a deal,” said Virginia McKean, a Boise member of the Greyhound Protection League.

McKean attended the Senate State Affairs meeting Friday afternoon wearing a sweat shirt that read, “Adopt an Ex-Racer - Ask Me How.” She was there to oppose the bill.

“This legislation would protect the economy of an Idaho business,” Boatright said.

Idaho banned dog racing three years ago, but allowed betting on simulcast racing to continue until June 30, 1999. Simulcast broadcasters have been trying to dump the deadline ever since. until June 30, 1999. Simulcast broadcasters have been trying to dump the deadline ever since.

Legislation was proposed in 1998 to sneak the deadline out of the current law, but it was killed before it could even be introduced.

The proposal appeared on the schedule for Senate State Affairs Friday as “an attempt to continue the economic viability of the Idaho Equine Industry.”

“Poor businessmen, indeed,” said McKean. “They’re crying about how they can’t find any money, and they think this bill is going to save them.”

Committee member Mel Richardson, R-Idaho Falls, voted to introduce the bill. He said, “Hearing this issue in committee would give us a chance to see how or if greyhound racing has changed.”

But Sen. Betsy Dunklin, D-Boise, disagreed and voted against the proposal. “This is an intent to change something we have already decided,” she said. “It’s hypocrisy.”

The bill will go to committee later this session. McKean said she’s prepared to “blow the issue open.”

“I’m confident they’ll do the right thing,” she said.