ALBANY, New York – As reported by the Las Vegas Review Journal: "Cornelius Murray was introduced at the New York Gaming Summit and strode to the lectern. No one applauded.
"…Murray, a local attorney, represents clients including a state legislator, a chamber of commerce and antigambling activists in challenging the reason this gambling conference is happening in the first place: The October bill signed by Gov. George Pataki that allows six Indian casinos, including three in the Catskills, slot machines at eight racetracks, including two in metropolitan New York City, and inclusion in a multistate lottery.
"Murray's remarks Tuesday were a sobering splash to the hundreds of industry executives, tribal leaders, financial analysts and regulators who came here to discuss the anticipated gambling expansion.
"…The intent of the state constitution is obvious, he said: Commercial gambling is prohibited. Legislators in late October tried to circumvent the ban with a bill hurriedly muscled through both houses in midnight votes without debate and without a legitimate three-day waiting period, Murray said.
"…Joseph Kelly, a Buffalo State College law professor, said Murray is not one to be taken lightly. It was Murray who two years ago won a court battle that invalidated the gaming compact between the St. Regis Mohawk tribe and the state of New York.
"Murray's latest lawsuit challenges the gambling-expansion bill on several fronts. It may take the U.S. Supreme Court to ultimately resolve the issues, he said.
"`I suggest to you that it's going to be a long road before it comes to fruition. I think everyone's getting ahead of themselves,' he said…"