INDIANAPOLIS | State Senate President David Long on Thursday declared gambling proposals off limits in the upcoming special legislative session, and he quickly was backed up by Gov. Mitch Daniels and House Minority Leader Brian Bosma.

But at least two Northwest Indiana legislators say they won't let the Republican triumvirate stand in the way of an economic development package centered on moving one of Gary's lakefront casinos to the southern edge of the city, near Interstate 80/94.

"With respect to Sen. Long and Mr. Bosma, they are one of 150 (legislators) when it comes down to this time of the year," said Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary. "That may be their desire. But then I see that both of them are ready, willing and able to bail out the CIB (Capital Improvement Board stadium authority) of Indianapolis. I don't think that will fly."

Long, a Fort Wayne Republican, declared a state budget the only legislation he will allow the Senate to consider when the General Assembly convenes next month. And the budget bill had better be free of gaming proposals, he said.

"The Senate will not vote for a budget bill that has gambling in it," Long said. "We should not hold the budget hostage over gambling. Period."

The budget plan that failed last month lost the votes of Brown and other Black Legislative Caucus members because leadership refused to consider the Gary casino swap, which would generate wagering tax revenue to build a teaching and trauma hospital in Gary.

But Long, Bosma and the Republican governor all support special-session consideration of a rescue plan for the deficit-racked Capital Improvement Board that runs Indianapolis' pro sports stadiums.

"I think the relevant distinction is the distinction between Indianapolis and Gary. Both are in need of a bailout," said Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary. "I'm not certain that Sen. Long has the last word."

Daniels issued a statement saying Long was "exactly right" to institute a ban on gambling proposals. Last month, the governor said he had no problem with relocating a Gary casino to maximize its value, but he couldn't go along with tax relief requests from casinos elsewhere.

Long complained the Gary proposal -- floated in the waning days of the regular session -- was not properly vetted and could negatively affect casinos in East Chicago and Michigan City. He wants a special committee to study the issue later this year -- along with relief requests emanating from gambling halls in Anderson, French Lick and Shelbyville.

Democratic House Speaker Pat Bauer said rank-and-file legislators will not allow a bailout of the Indianapolis stadiums to be part of the budget mix unless the Gary casino move is considered. And that opens the door to all the other casino proposals.

"If you include one of these issues in gaming, you have to include them all," said Bauer, D-South Bend. "Every member near one of these considers (their issue) a problem."