By John McCarthy
The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - The idea of placing electronic slot machines at Ohio racetracks appears doomed for the current legislative session, but lawmakers may warm to the idea once the state's bills come due next year, the bill's sponsor said Wednesday.

Sen. Lou Blessing, a Cincinnati Republican who has tried to legalize the slot machines in Ohio for years, said "unless something dramatic happens," the bill is dead. However, it likely will be back once the next Legislature convenes in January.

Mr. Blessing said the primary reason is a lack of time. Six legislative dates are scheduled before the session ends.

Senate President Richard Finan, a suburban Cincinnati Republican, also credited pressure from Gov. Bob Taft, who has promised to veto any bill that authorizes slot machines.

"The governor has done his work," Mr. Finan said.

But Mr. Blessing said the legislation would return in some form during the next legislative session.

He had introduced an alternate version of the idea as a constitutional amendment that would go before voters. Because it would be in the form of a resolution and not a bill, it could go before voters without Mr. Taft's signature.

Mr. Blessing and Mr. Finan said they continued with the current version because it would have produced revenue more quickly for the state. Senate Republicans estimate the slots could bring in $500 million a year.

The state will face a deficit in the next two-year budget, which is due June 30, lawmakers and Mr. Taft have said. The deficit is expected to be greater than the $500 million the Republicans say the slots would raise.

Mr. Blessing said slot machines would help close the gap and the only alternative is to raise taxes.

Mr. Taft last week sent a memo to all members of the Legislature, imploring them not to vote for the bill.