If not for one State Senate vote, Alabamians would have had the opportunity to vote on a gambling constitutional amendment earlier this year.

During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5’s “The Jeff Poor Show” on Wednesday, State Rep. Mark Shirey (R-Mobile), a proponent of the failed effort, acknowledged the hurdles that would have had to be overcome for success.

However, he is less than optimistic about another effort in the near future.

“So I think you’re right. I think a lot of effort, especially in the House, was put into this bill — tough vote, very hard vote,” he said. “I’m not one that’s particularly for gambling, but I had people on both sides of the issue call me and say, ‘Hey, let us vote.’ And that’s what we voted for, is to let the people vote, whether it was up or down. Now, I think the people would really vote for just a plain lottery bill, but I just don’t see that having a chance in either house.”

Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of “The Jeff Poor Show,” heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile’s FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.

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