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A Battle of Political Wills in Massachusetts

Posted on September 9th, 2010

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Just a few years ago, the governorship of Massachusetts seemed to be something Duval Patrick had in the bag. He seemed to be what the state needed – a fresh face that had progressive views regarding most issues. One of the concerns he championed was casino gambling. With most states in the north east US already approving casinos and adding facilities in their own turfs, Patrick joined the gubernatorial race with a vision of his state enjoying the benefits of casino construction, especially the area of employment generation. At the end of the race, the dust settled and Patrick was indeed proclaimed governor..

After being in office for the past few years, however, it seems that Patrick has lost his magic touch. He has locked horns with both the Senate and House of Representatives when it comes to the issue of casinos, as he seem to veto every proposal of both houses, and at the same time, his own proposals are not getting the popular support they need. His attempts to have casino resorts have ended up being no-gos for the past two years, and this has translated to a decline in popularity ratings. A good number of residents and union groups that were excited in the prospect of new jobs are losing interest in the governor. Now, in what looks like a last-ditch effort to renew attention to a dying casino bill that is supposed to create new jobs, the governor urged the lawmakers of the state to return to session. At the Labor Day breakfast held every year by the Greater Boston Labor Council at the Park Plaza, Patrick was quoted in saying, “We’ve been there for the people who want and need the jobs that can come from resort casinos. The Legislature should come back and finish this right now and let’s get it done.”

But it looks like what the governor is calling for would be far from happening. State legislators may actually do the opposite of this as retaliation move for the let down in the bill that approved the construction of three resort casinos and the installation of slot machines in two racetracks in July. In the proposed bill, Patrick took out the racino measure and just retained the casino resorts. Since the start of the issue, the governor has expressed disapproval for slots on tracks, which is directly opposed to the push made by House Speaker Robert DeLeo who wants its inclusion in the bill. DeLeo’s legislative area is the location of a number of racetracks in the state. He then returned the bill to the Legislature, but its members have already concluded their sessions, leaving the issue of whether they would approve or override the changes of the governor hanging until the next session.

Therese Murray, the President of the Senate has already said that there are not enough legislators who are in favor coming back into session to take up the bill without the provision of slot machines in racetracks. On the lower house, Seth Gitell, spokesman for House Speaker Robert DeLeo, said that the concern remains unresolved although the speaker has not dismissed the entire issue altogether. He adds that since the senate is not coming back and 2/3 of both chambers would need to approve a special session. In the process of revising the bill submitted by the Legislature, Patrick has alienated groups of organized labor who were counting heavily on this bill on gambling to bring its members more opportunities for employment.

At the Labor Day breakfast, Patrick tried to mend fences by saying that he has always been there for the labor unions, even though they may not always agree on all issues. He then issues a controversial statement saying, “And some of you are so mad about these disagreements that you will support someone else or sit the race out. But we have shown you that I do not, and will not, take you for granted. And I think you had better be careful not to take me for granted either.” Some residents are viewing the developments as a show of wills between the governor and the Legislature, which in turn is pushing their welfare to the side.