I agree that it's sad they are closing but I think the blame is not with the politicians it's.
1. The Johnstons, total arrogant assholes, every one I've met. 
2. The doping trainers and girlfriend killing and beating drivers. 
I'll tell you a story later about old man Johnston, it's kind of funny.
We can all agree that the Johnstons are assholes. But, there are only two types of track owners, those you know are bastards and out to screw you and those you think are nice guys who are out to screw you. As far as doping trainers and drivers who are assholes, there are just as many of them at many tracks. Most people at the track attending the races know nothing about the sins of some of the drivers. They also know nothing about "doping" trainers. Besides, things are no different then when the sport was in its heyday, maybe even worse back then. Need I remind you of Herve who was the leading driver in the sport and suspended for race fixing. There are plenty of unsavory types, trainers and drivers on the East Coast. In Illinois our thieving , inept politicians are mostly to blame. The horsemen, not Taking the late Bill Mchenry's advice and cutting a deal with the casinos is another huge factor. They gambled and lost big time.
