Kentucky state Senator Alice Forgy Kerr (R-Lexington) said her nephew was forced out of his job as Kentucky Horse Racing Commission general counsel due to her recent vote against a bill that would allow expanded gambling at state racetracks.

Kerr told the Lexington Herald-Leader that her nephew, John L. Forgy, was pushed out of the position due to her views on the legislation, which would have allowed video lottery terminals at the tracks. The measure was voted down in a Senate committee in June.

“My nephew was a hostage in this situation,” Alice Forgy Kerr said. “He’s losing his job in retaliation for my vote against predatory gambling in this state.”

Kerr said the horse industry should support a plan sponsored by Senate President David Williams (R-Burkesville) that could raise purses and bolster breeder incentives by taxing lottery tickets and out-of-state wagering.

Forgy submitted a one-sentence resignation letter to the commission on Wednesday, according to the publication.

Commission Executive Director Lisa Underwood told the Herald-Leader that she does not comment on personnel matters.

For the Herald-Leader’s story, click here.