Democratic governor Steve Beshear has appointed a longtime Republican state senator to a judicial seat.

Critics say it's the latest move in the governor's push to wrestle away the GOP's control of the senate so he can get slot machines at Kentucky's horse racing tracks.
State senator Dan Kelly had been the majority floor leader since 2000 when Republicans gained control of the senate.

In his new position, Kelly will represent Kentucky's 11th judicial circuit, which represents four counties southeast of Louisville.
GOP lawmakers on Friday replaced Kelly as majority floor leader with Senator Robert Stivers of Manchester.
A special election will be held December 8th to fill Kelly's vacant seat.
Meantime, the group "Say No to Casinos" says this is part of the governor's strategy to change the state senate to favor the gambling industry.
Legislative efforts to allow slots at tracks have stalled in the senate.