the state constitution. The casino amendment did not pass in the end, since the state constitution requires the passage of legislation in two consecutive legislative sessions and then passage of the majority of the state's voters in a statewide referendum. Brydges' vision in the area of casino gaming was realized with the opening of the Seneca Niagara Casino on January 1, 2003. Brydges was a fierce opponent of reproductive rights and blocked legislation to legalize abortion in New York. In 1970, Brydges allowed the Senate to vote on legislation to legalize abortion. He did so under the belief the Senate would not pass the bill. When the Senate surprised him and passed the bill, which had already passed the Assembly and had the support of Governor Rockefeller, Brydges reportedly sat in his Senate chair and wept. Acting Governor of New York In 1972, both Rockefeller and Lt. Gov. Malcolm Wilson left the state on the same afternoon. Under the state constitution, this made Brydges the Acting Governor of New York for several hours. As acting governor, Brydges signed routine state paperwork and conducted Senate business. He did not sign any legislation into law, including a pending bill relating to Niagara Falls that he had sponsored. In 1972, Brydges did not seek reelection to the Senate and he retired on January 1, 1973. Personal life He married Eleanor C. Mahoney. Together, they had five sons and two daughters, including: Earl W. Brydges, Jr., who married Martha Ann Shalala in 1967. Thomas Eugene Brydges, who married Roxanne Catherine Hammer in 1972. William Brydges Margaret Brydges Brydges died of cancer in 1975 and his funeral was attended by then Vice President Rockefeller. This was Rockefeller's first visit to Upstate New York as vice president. Honors The Earl W. Brydges Artpark in Lewiston, New York, an outdoor theater and concert center that he championed, was named in his honor. In addition, the main public library in Niagara Falls, the Earl W. Brydges Library, designed by architect Paul Rudolph, was named after him. References 1905 births 1975 deaths Republican Party New York (state) state senators Niagara University alumni University at Buffalo alumni Politicians from Niagara Falls, New York Majority leaders of the New York State Senate 20th-century American politicians