Politicians in Massachusetts have differing views about a casino for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
Daniel O'Connell, the chairman of a gaming task force created by Gov. Deval Patrick (D), says a Class III casino needs legislative approval. But Senate President Therese Murray (D), who is open to casinos, says the governor could do it without legislative action. The tribe asked a University of Michigan law professor for an opinion on the issue. Richard Primus concluded that the governor could sign a compact without legislative approval. In some sates, lawmakers play a role in the compact process. It's a new issue for Massachusetts, where Class III gaming is not yet legal. Get the Story: