"I was hoping for a different outcome:" State lawmakers react to decision to reject Kenosha casino plan

KENOSHA (WITI) -- State lawmakers who represent the Kenosha area where the casino would been built are not surprisingly unhappy with Governor Walker's decision to reject the proposed casino.

Both the democrats and republicans FOX6 News spoke with echoed the same feeling of disappointment. Not just for the Menominee Tribe, but for the workforce in southeastern Wisconsin and residents in the state as a whole.

"We had hoped the decision would have been different. When you look at the jobs by Menominee and the developers in Kenosha, I think they have created an excitement and an expectation that this project was going to proceed," said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.

An expectation that now will continue to fruition.

"I was hoping for a different outcome," said Vos.

One of the biggest champions of the Kenosha casino project, Representatie Samantha Kerkman, got emotional after hearing Governor Scott Walker rejected the project.

"Even once in a while, even someone you're friends with gets it wrong and this is a prime example," said Kerkman.

On a phone conference, Assembly Democrat Leader Peter Barca also criticized this move.

"I feel this is an economic mistake of colossal proportions, thousands of citizens. It's heartbreaking for our community who worked so hard to try and make this happen," said Barca.

They're disheartened at the thought that 10,000 plus jobs could have been created because of the project. Along with giving a jolt to the economy.

The governor said the risk to state taxpayers as well as a  long-term hit to the state budget, were too great. But some lawmakers feel it was a risk that should have been taken.

"I think the Menominee did everything, I am disappointed that we didn't take a chance of allowing this project to succeed. I think they probably could have generated enough revenue," said Vos.

But speaker Robin Vos also points out to past leaders for this deal breaking down.

"I think that from the fact that Governor Doyle signed a sweetheart deal which would guarantee payments to the Potawatomi was a stumbling block from day one," said Vos.

Many state leaders definitely feel like this was a missed opportunity. But they did also point out other positive ventures in the works.

They predict about 5,500 new jobs will come to the Racine/Kenosha area from companies like Uline, Amazon and Emco just to name a few.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R - Rochester) issued the following statement:

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D - Kenosha) issued the following statement:

Wisconsin State Senator Van Wanggaard (R - Racine) issued this statement:

Rep. Joe Sanfelippo (R - New Berlin) issued this statement: