Could it get any more frustrating than this?

After nine months of deliberations, County Councilman Ed Middlebrooks on Wednesday recused himself from any votes on slot machines because his financial dealings could create the appearance of an ethics breach.

The decision made the passage of any zoning bill for the casino more unlikely, as the council is already one member short.

Councilman Jamie Benoit said Thursday he is considering pushing back Monday's scheduled vote until a vacancy on the council is filled, but it's not clear if there are enough votes on the council to approve a delay.

And even if the...