The two third-party candidates for governor agree on one thing

about gambling: State government has become addicted to

gambling income.

"I think gambling is unhealthy for the economy and the body

politic," said Denise Giardina, Mountain Party candidate. "The

industry."

She listed a litany of evils that she said come with gambling,

including an increase in crime, domestic violence and child abuse.

Giardina worries that the local referendum of casino gambling at

The Greenbrier hotel could lead to expansion of gambling at other

places, despite promises that The Greenbrier is a special case.

"I think the Greenbrier referendum allows a very powerful institution

to throw its weight around," she said. "One thing will lead to another,

and expansion will be very difficult to stop."

Barroom video poker, or "gray machines," should be banned, just like

they were in South Carolina, she said. She would not seek to eliminate the

Libertarian candidate Bob Myers said private enterprise, not

The two third-party candidates for governor agree on one thing

about gambling: State government has become addicted to

gambling income.

"I think gambling is unhealthy for the economy and the body

politic," said Denise Giardina, Mountain Party candidate. "The

industry."

She listed a litany of evils that she said come with gambling,

including an increase in crime, domestic violence and child abuse.

Giardina worries that the local referendum of casino gambling at

The Greenbrier hotel could lead to expansion of gambling at other

places, despite promises that The Greenbrier is a special case.

"I think the Greenbrier referendum allows a very powerful institution

to throw its weight around," she said. "One thing will lead to another,

and expansion will be very difficult to stop."

Barroom video poker, or "gray machines," should be banned, just like

they were in South Carolina, she said. She would not seek to eliminate the

Libertarian candidate Bob Myers said private enterprise, not

government, should control gambling in the state.

"As Libertarians, we oppose the government creating a monopoly out of

gambling," he said. "There always has been gambling. But

recently, the state has learned how to profit from

gambling."

Myers would seek to eliminate the state lottery. He said former

Gov. Arch Moore asked him to serve on the Lottery Commission, but he

refused for philosophical reasons.

Myers said in theory, anyone should be able to sponsor gambling,

from Go-Mart to The Greenbrier. But he said he had no problem with

allowing local voters to choose whether they'll let gambling into

their communities.

Both Myers and Giardina said the two leading candidates have

been influenced by campaign contributions from gambling interests.

"I think both [Cecil] Underwood and [Bob] Wise are talking out of both

To contact staff writer Scott Finn, use e-mail or call 357-4323.