As six candidates vie for election in New Jersey's 12th district, each potential representative thoroughly understands and appreciates the importance of horses and the horse racing industry. Where they do differ is in how thoroughbred and harness racing should be protected
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In a meeting with the Asbury Park Press editorial board, the six candidates - four running for an assembly seat and two running for senate - offered their views on how they would protect New Jersey's rich horse history. One of those candidates comes from one of harness racing's most famous families.
“We need slots at the tracks,” said Donald Dancer, son of the late great Stanley Dancer said. “Why prop up casinos in New Jersey?” Dancer pointed to the numbers of casinos popping up outside of the state - none in 1990 versus 28 today.
William Spedding, a retired public works officer, agreed with Dancer stating that he supports expanded gaming at racetrack "in concept" despite normally opposing what he referred to "subsiding businesses" given the state of the economy. Catherine Tinney Rome also supported racinos and concurred with Spedding's assessment on Gov. Chris Christie supporting "big business".
“Christie is a big business governor. He’s not for the people. That’s why he is propping up Atlantic City,” said Rome.
Robert Clifton would like to see the racetracks in partnership with Atlantic City to bolster both parties.
“What do you do with a closed-down horse farm? They eventually become developments,” noted Clifton.
Senate candidate Robert Brown was not in favour of expanding gaming to racetracks, siding with Christie's efforts to privatize The Meadowlands and Monmouth Park. Brown proposed creating new incentives to support horse racing in the state.
His opponent, Samuel Thompson supports slots at racetracks and would like to see a public education campaign to draw more people to the track.