U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum used the forum provided by a popular sports radio talk show host yesterday to endorse the idea of using slots revenue to fund a new arena in Pittsburgh.

During an interview with Mark Madden of ESPN/WEAE-AM Radio, Mr. Santorum, R-Pa., said all three applicants competing for the Pittsburgh casino license should come up with a plan for funding an arena.

"My feeling is that this is in a sense a public license and at least a portion of whatever revenues come out of this public license should be used for public purposes, and I can't think of any more important public purpose that this kind of activity could be used for than an arena," he said.

Mr. Santorum, who is running for re-election, joins Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato in calling on all three casino competitors to fund an arena.

So far, only Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., in partnership with the Penguins, has made such a commitment. It is pledging $290 million for construction of an arena if it gets the license.

Detroit businessman Don Barden, who wants to build a casino on the North Shore, has asked the state Gaming Control Board to decide whether using slots revenue to fund an arena is permitted under the law. If it is, he has said he would develop his own plan.

Forest City Enterprises, with a proposed casino at Station Square, is the other bidder for the license. It has not pledged any money toward an arena but has said it is willing to work with local officials if it gets the license.