Supporters pull ahead in race
for slot machines at S. Fla. tracks
By Associated Press & Sun-Sentinel
November 4, 2004, 2:12 PM EST

TALLAHASSEE -- Supporters of a proposal to open the door to slot machines at South Florida tracks and jai alai frontons pulled ahead Thursday in the battle over votes.

With 99 percent of the precincts in, supporters claimed a lead of nearly 6,000 votes, flipping the narrow lead that opponents had clung to on Election Day.

Amendment 4 had 3,496,888 votes, or 50 percent, compared with 3,491,020 votes, or 50 percent, in opposition. If the margin of victory is one-half of 1 percent or less, a machine recount is triggered under state law.

Amendment 4 would allow voters in Broward and Miami-Dade counties to decide in a subsequent election whether to permit slot machines at seven horse and dog tracks and frontons, which say they need the revenue to survive.

The ballot measure also directs that any tax revenue lawmakers decide to levy on the slot machines be distributed to schools throughout the entire state. Sponsors say that would be at least $438 million in just the first year.

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