Patrick Faces Opposition From His Own Party Regarding Gambling

Governor Duval Patrick ran his campaign in Massachusetts on a platform that largely consisted of casino gambling expansion in the state. He won election because most citizens want the gambling expansion, but Patrick received a wake up call on the issue from within his own party.

Patrick spoke at the Democratic state convention, and relayed a message of unity among the Democratic party leaders in Massachusetts. By the end of the convention, Patrick realized there was some disagreements in the party, specifically on the issue of casino gambling.

A majority of delegates voted to oppose legislation to expand casino gambling, or any other forms of gambling that could be used to raise revenue for the state. It was a blow for Patrick, who has pushed hard for casino resorts in Massachusetts.

"It doesn't make any sense to support casinos and slot gambling," said Kathleen C. Norbut, a member of the Democratic State Committee, "It's not a winning proposition."

The Chairman of the state committee does not believe the vote will have any bearing on the outcome of the casino debate. He still believes that Patrick will have enough support to at some point bring casinos to the state.

Patrick had his first attempt to legalize casino gambling shot down by lawmakers, but that effort was led mainly by former House Speaker Salvatore F. Dimasi, who was indicted last week on corruption charges.

Patrick's next attempt will come with the support of the new House Speaker, Robert A. DeLeo. The governor is contending that casinos would be a positive way to bring new jobs to the state and would also help balance the state budget.

June 8, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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