Republicans and Democrats partied together at the B Street Pier to toast a new bill that overturned a 1993 law that prohibited cruise ships with gambling on board to dock in two consecutive California ports. Republican Congressman Brian Bilbray told News 8's Jody Hammond that the big thing was getting everyone to work together and that jobs were more important than petty politics. Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer was instrumental in getting the legislation overturned. In 1995, only 16 ships stopped in San Diego compared to 100 before the state law went into effect. The Port District was hoping to surpass the 100 mark in 1997. It cost the local economy $100 million a year so this was definitely a good reason to celebrate.

KFMB