Sunday, April 01, 2007

Debate ran so late because of a filibuster staged by gaming proponents in
the Senate. For the most part, Senators stuck to the topic at hand although,
at times, it was a bit of a stretch, as lawmakers discussed the rules of gin
rummy, and various other card games. Many grew frustrated by the stalling,
and the long wait. "It's just kind of one of those stubborn kind of
we-won't-blink-first kind of battles," explained Sen. Pete Brungardt (R,
Salina.) As the Senators tried to outlast House members, over on the House
side, Representatives also refused to budge. "We're not going to do anything
until the Senate votes up or down on the gaming bill," said Rep. Rob Olson
(R, Olathe.) "It's part of the job. It's something that at this time in the
session you expect," Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley (D, Topeka)
said.