Gideon's Army: A Handful of Social Conservatives Fight Gambling Pact

Think social conservatives control the House? Think again. Social conservatives opposed to the Seminole gaming pact are few and far between during debate on the issue.

This is not the right message to teach our youth, said Rep. Ronald Doc Renuart, R-Jacksonville who added Las Vegas-style gambling should stay in Vegas.

The Gideon of this small army has been Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights, who condemned the measure in harsh terms.

It damages our faith, our families and our freedom, Van Zant said in a passionate speech opposing the measure. This gambling pact is evil and it brings evil upon Floridians, he said. Quoting the Bible passage that says money is the root of all evil, Van Zant maintained that the pact would mean an increase in gambling, drug use, alcoholism, prostitution and crime in general.