By Joe Biesk
The Associated Press

OWENSBORO - Although stopping short of endorsing full-blown casinos, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ben Chandler said Tuesday that Owensboro would not be left "out of the mix" if gambling is expanded.

"I guarantee you, as governor, when we start looking at this issue - and start looking at it seriously - Owensboro and Daviess County will have a seat at the table," Chandler said. "And I will make it my business to make sure that when some form of expanded gaming is passed in this next legislature, this community benefits."

Gambling expansion is an issue of great interest in Owensboro, which has a convention center and a large hotel, the Executive Inn Rivermont, widely viewed as a casino-in-waiting.

Speaking before a crowded auditorium at Owensboro Community College, Chandler and his Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Ernie Fletcher, had a more cordial exchange than at their last meeting, which was on Kentucky Educational Television and during which each freely interrupted the other. Both candidates repeated campaign themes. Fletcher said a "change in leadership" is needed after 32 straight years of Democratic governors. Chandler blamed Fletcher's congressional voting in favor of President Bush's economic policies for the state's soured economy.

The issue of expanded gambling offers one of the starkest contrasts between the candidates. Both say voters should ratify the idea by constitutional amendment, but they agree on nothing else.

Chandler previously endorsed expanded gambling - video slot machines at racetracks - to fund raises for school teachers. On Monday, he outlined an education plan that assumes revenue from gambling to pay for much more - school technology and a trust fund for school construction, among other things, on top of teacher raises.

Fletcher, who says he does not endorse expanded gambling but would not use the power of the governorship to stop a constitutional amendment, said Chandler is now "waffling," hinting at full casinos, not just racetrack slots.

"I've said I'm not personally at this time in favor of it, but I'll let the people decide. And Ben Chandler said he was for slots at the racetracks," Fletcher said after the debate. "Now he's waffling somewhat, and I don't know that anybody knows where Ben stands right now."

Chandler now says he only wants gambling that would not be "injurious" to the horse industry.

"It is my goal to protect the horse industry, not necessarily the horse tracks," Chandler told the packed audience. "The horse industry is where I think we need protection."

Chandler said the horse industry is vital to Kentucky's economy for providing jobs and drawing worldwide attention to the state. He said he would consult with the horse industry during future negotiations on the issue.