GOP and DFL lawmakers unite against gambling for stadium

A bipartisan group of nine lawmakers held a news conference Thursday to oppose any use of gambling proceeds to pay for a new Vikings stadium.

Each of them also said they are against using any public money for the stadium. Sen. Dave Thompson, R-Lakeville, said he's a lifelong Vikings fan, but said taxpayer money should not subsidize a private business.

"I wouldn't be making the Vikings leave. It would be the ownership of the Vikings making a decision to leave, if they do, and the NFL allowing that, because they don't get what they want," Thompson said. "If they make that decision, I personally am willing to live with that."

Gov. Mark Dayton has said that he's concerned the Vikings will leave the state if they don't get a new stadium. He said he'll release his plan for building a stadium the week of November 7.

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