Group formed to oppose lottery launches campaign

A couple of shots were fired in Lt. Gov. Halter's direction this morning as the Arkansas Family Action Council Committee launched the "Truth Campaign" at the Capitol. During the event, Pastor Robert E. Smith suggested that Halter and government officials who support the lottery are influenced by the "user friendly" churches they attend. When asked if Halter, a practicing Catholic, attended a user-friendly ministry, Smith said: "If any at all."

The lottery brings together people of varying political views to form alliances you wouldn't see anywhere else. I'm for the lottery for the simple reason that people here in my district can purchase tickets at will just by driving across State Line Avenue. While they're over there purchasing lottery tickets, the proceeds of which go to Austin to educate Texans, they're also purchasing other items they could otherwise buy in Arkansas.

The Associated Press has a story on this morning's news conference.