Minn. state senator resigning to lead racino push

Longtime state Sen. Dick Day will leave the Minnesota Senate on Jan. 8 after 19 years.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) âÄî Longtime state Sen. Dick Day says heâÄôs stepping down to lead an effort to bring state-sponsored gambling to two Minnesota racetracks. The Republican from Owatonna will leave the Minnesota Senate on Jan. 8 after 19 years. He will become president of Racino Now, a group funded by horse owners to push for slot machines at Canterbury Park and Running Aces Harness Park. Day says the racinos would raise $125 million a year, possibly paying for a new Vikings stadium and other needs including public schools. He says the deficit-strapped state needs the cash more than ever. Day led the GOP Senate minority from 1997 to 2006. He lost last yearâÄôs Republican primary for Congress in MinnesotaâÄôs 1st District.