view raw text
j j Penn. Racing Referendum Bill Hits Snag in House ~Goy. Lawrence Wants Question Put on Primary Election Ballot Special to Daily Racing Form HARRISBURG, Pa., May 7.— Republicans in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives have balked at giving any votes -for a racing referendum bill in view of the position of Gov. David L. Lawrence that he would" not sign such a measure unless it put the question on a primary election bal- , lot. And without Republican help the bill is j regarded as dead for this session of the legislature. Democrats have only 107 members. A total of 106 "yes" votes is needed to pass a House bill. The bill now before the House would put , the question to the voters in the November general election. Governor Lawrence said he would veto this measure because it . would "confuse the issues." In this years I election Pennsylvania is electing a justice to the State Supreme Court and a judge to the Superior Court, plus many city, county, and local officials. The proposed I referendum would not legalize racing, but merely measure public opinion on the* issue. I Governor Lawrence, would agree to a bilU j to submit the racing issue to the voters in next years spring primary, but the Republicans — whose help is needed — arent buy- ing that proposal. Rep. Albert W. Johnson, Republican floor Jeader, said "We believe the referendum should be held at the general election when you vote on principles and issues, not at a primary, when you vote for candidates." . *.
