Thanks to Minnesota Locks for their support.
This year’s election includes candidates for the Minnesota State House to represent West St. Paul. The city is represented by two separate state house districts and divided roughly in half. The northern half is in 65B and the southern half is in 53A. We’ve asked the candidates a series of questions to see where they stand on the issues. We’ll share one question and the responses at a time leading up to the general election on November 5. See our 2024 voter’s guide for more.
Previously we asked about candidates’ top issues. This time we’re asking about gambling.
A sports betting bill has failed to pass the last two years. Where do you stand on allowing sports betting in Minnesota?
Here are the candidates’ responses:
House District 53A
Mary Frances Clardy
Proceeds from tax revenue generated from tax revenue stream to be divided:
- 45% to charitable entities
- 15% to horse racing
- 15% to tribal equalization fund
- 10% for problem gambling programs and education
- 10% to recruit national events like the Final Four
- 5% for youth sports and activities
Permit prop bets during games, except for wagers on college sports.
Tax the value of gambling promotion as though they were paid for by the gambler (e.g., tax a $200 of free bets offered by a sportsbook).
Regulate fantasy sports betting and tax 15% of the adjusted gross receipts.
Betting platforms would be blocked from sending push notifications when the app is closed, except to notify gamblers of possible fraud, allow gamblers to impose self-limits, and require integrity monitoring to identify potential insider betting.
Mandate that the state Commissioner of Public Safety regulate gambling.
Nathan Herschbach
Nathan Herschbach did not respond to our questionnaire.
House District 65B
Mike Hilborn
I’m opposed to gambling and concerned about how it disproportionately impacts working citizens.
María Isa Pérez-Vega
I support sports betting legislation that will provide a boost to our state’s economy, but that also preserves the sports betting structures of our tribal nations.
Vote on November 5
The general election is on Tuesday, November 5. Learn more about where and how to vote. You can also vote early with an absentee ballot, either by mail or by stopping at the Dakota County offices.
See our 2024 voter’s guide for more on the candidates and other races.
Thank you to the candidates for taking the time to respond to our questions.
This local election coverage only happens thanks to the support of our members. Consider joining West St. Paul Reader to ensure local election coverage continues. Membership starts at just $3 per month.
