Cuomo watch: A look ahead to casino campaigns

It's likely that casino operators in neighboring states will spend to kill a gambling-expansion referendum this fall in New York. "Racinos" -- video slot parlors at racetracks -- might too, to protect their share of the gambling market.

Who will spend on a "yes" vote? There's no guarantee that casino bidders will -- if they're not certain to win one of three franchises the Cuomo administration proposed. Past governors formed special committees to raise money and promote referendums, including Mario Cuomo. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo hasn't committed yet.

It's worth noting, however, that the heads of the AFL-CIO and state Business Council sat next to Cuomo when he announced his casino-expansion idea.-- Yancey Roy