Column: The governor's race and gambling in Massachusetts

Tuesday, October 12, 2010  

"They are fierce rivals in the quest for the governor's office. But Deval Patrick, Tim Cahill and Charlie Baker can agree on one thing: Casino gambling should be legal here.

How we get to that point is a whole other matter.

Each candidate has specific differences on how casino gambling should be implemented in the state. Sure, their positions on casinos - or just about any public policy issue, for that matter - have taken a backseat to political theatrics in recent weeks. But the fate of this longstanding source of debate on Beacon Hill could be in the governor's hands next year.

Normally, a gubernatorial veto is swatted away like an annoying insect by the Legislature. The Dems reign supreme at the State House. And going along with the leadership's views is, shall we say, highly encouraged.

But that balance of power shifted this summer with respect to gambling: The long-awaited casino bill was finally released by a conference committee and whisked through the House and Senate, only to promptly be set aside by Patrick.

Legislative leaders were cutting it close, waiting until formal sessions were about to end for the year. That made it impossible to address the Democratic governor's proposed changes without taking the unusual step of coming back for a special session. But a narrow vote in the Senate means that overturning a veto won't be quite as easy if the Legislature, as expected, revives the casino bill early next year."

Get the Story:
Jon Chesto: Governor's race could sway odds on casinos (GateHouse News Service 10/12)