After Christie veto of sports-wagering bill, override attempt coalescing

Every attempt by the New Jersey Legislature to override a veto by Gov. Chris Christie has failed. It’s not clear whether lawmakers will try again in response to his rejection of a sports-wagering bill.

 

 

Assembly Speaker Vinnie Prieto says he’s not sure if the Assembly will make an override attempt.

“I don’t know if we would have the votes or not. Most of the time we can’t get anybody from across the aisle,” said Prieto, D-Hudson. “So it’s something we’ll look at and talk about it.”

The sponsor of legislation that would have paved the way for sports betting at New Jersey’s casinos and racetracks is trying to corral enough votes for an override, said Senate President Steve Sweeney.

“Sen. [Ray] Lesniak right now is working to round up some Republicans to do an override. As soon as Sen. Lesniak is ready, we’ll go,” said Sweeney, D-Gloucester.

Sports betting would help boost revenues at Monmouth Park, and Sweeney believes there’s the potential to get Republican lawmakers in that area to vote for an override.

While they have a majority in the Legislature, the Democrats need GOP votes to reach the two-thirds needed to overrule the governor.