Representative Harry Geisinger has penned an open letter to the residents of Georgia in an effort to get people behind his push for a constitutional amendment in order to pave the way for the legalization of pari-mutuel horse-racing wagering in the state

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Geisinger, who's bill, HR186, calls for a November 2012 referendum on the issue, begins his letter by writing, "This year’s 'world series of horse racing' --- the Breeder’s Cup --- was worth $53.3 million to local businesses, 1.2 million viewers to ESPN and paid out $25.5 million in purses over 15 races. And all that benefitted Louisville, Kentucky."

He went on to write, "Let’s get the 'gambling' issue out of the way. This amendment does not allow for casinos, dog racing, slot machines or Elvis wedding chapels. All of that can stay in Vegas."

To read Geisinger's letter in its entirety, click here.

An article by The Augusta Chronicle has cited Geisinger as saying that his bill has bipartisan backing. The same report has also quoted veteran Georgia Republican strategist Tom Perdue as saying that the topic of expanded gaming in the traditional, bible-belt state is “being discussed openly in political and legislative circles, more than I’ve ever heard.”